CAF CC: Cotonsport Locked, Loaded, And Ready To Fire Against Mazembe

‘A draw from a winning position’ are the words that summarize Cotonsport’s last outing against AS Otoho in Congo. Fast forward a couple of days later, against a relatively tougher opponent in TP Mazembe, and there is a certain positivity from Cotonsport players and the coaching staff, as per what was transmitted in their pre match press briefing.

16 times Elite One Champions Cotonsport of Garoua will face 18 times LINAFOOT champions TP Mazembe tomorrow Sunday, February 27. They both have had substantial success on the African continent, but their recent outings on the continent haven’t been satisfactory, at least, for the juggernauts that they are.

The stakes are above the moon and one could feel the anxiousness in Felix Oukine’s voice.

‘It is an opportunity to defeat Mazembe,’ the Cotonsport midfeilder hinted when asked if these group of Cotonsport players feel it is the opportunity to emulate the Cotonsport greats of the yesteryears.

‘The coach has a strategy he will put in and we will play according to the strategy. We have loads of respect for Mazembe but tomorrow we will do our best to win the game.’ ended the Intermediate Lion.

Generally, extra attention has been paid on the fixture and competition to make sure it is Africa’s inferior competition ‘CAF Confederation Cup’, and not the CAF Champions League. It says a lot about the deep in form from the both sides, and Aboubakar Souleymanou knows that.

‘We know Mazembe are from losing but we too are coming from a ‘loss’ if you can put it that way, against Otoho, (having lost their lead and missed other chances as it ended 1-1); editors pick’

‘What is sure is that we will fight and the best will win. We came here to play good football,’ coach Souleymanou ended.

These two met in 2008, canceling each other out as they both won their home games, Mazembe defeating Cotonsport 2-0 in Congo, and Cotonsport returning the favor with a 1-0 victory in Garoua.

The group remains a close call at the moment and delicately poised. No slip offs are allowed. Cotonsport has 2 points after their two games, while Mazembe has 3 points after their opening game against Otoho ended in a victory. Al Masry leads group C with 4 points, and Otoho are bottom with a single point.

The game comes up at the Stade TP Mazembe tomorrow 14:00 local time.