كأس الاتحاد الإفريقي 2009

Entente Setif seek to emulate Desert Foxes

Algerian champions, Entente Setif will seek inspiration from the success of the national team, Desert Foxes, as they host Stade Malien of Mali on Sunday, in this year’s Orange Confederation Cup final first leg.

With the whole country in a festive mood following the qualification of the Desert Foxes to the South Africa 2010 World Cup at the expense of bitterest rivals, Egypt in the only African playoff; the attention will be shifted to club level where Entente Setif is hoping to become the first Algerian club since 2002 to annex a continental silverware.

Since J.S. Kabylie completed their hat-trick of successes in the defunct CAF Cup in 2002, no Algerian club has come thus far, and the onus lies on Entente Setif, African champions in 1988 to break that jinx.

The Black Eagles as Entente Setif are nicknamed will be banking heavily on Olympique Marseille-bound goalkeeper Faouzi Chanouchi and midfielder Khaled Lemmouchia, both members of the victorious Desert Foxes squad as they seek for a convincing win at their favourite May 8, 1945 Stadium in the northeastern Algeria town of Setif, to make the second leg a mere formality.

From the onset, the Northern Algeria-based club made clear their intent for the ultimate prize in the second tier continental club championship, with exhilarating performances and nothing short of the 660,000 US Dollars prize money will be considered a failure.

Entente Setif squeezed past Nigerian champions, Bayelsa United on a 2-1 aggregate at the last four and will probably face their biggest test in a Stade Malien side, yet to lose away since the group phase.

The impressive away record of Les Blancs is expected to serve a major headache for Black Eagles trainer Ali Mechiche, who will be relying on the attacking prowess of marksman Abdelmalek Ziaya, scorer of 13-goals to cruise to victory.

Ziaya, has an interesting striking rate of at least a goal per match and Stade Malien coach Djibril Drame must devise an antidote to halt the 25-year old, who looks set to finish as top scorer in the continental club championship.

The encounter has been dubbed “a revenge mission’ as both Entente Setif and Stade Malien eliminated Malian and Algerian clubs respectively during the knockout stages. Entente Setif beat Djoliba AC of Mali 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 tie from both legs at the ultimate eliminatory stage, whilst Stade Malien eased past JSM Bejaia 13-12 on penalties at the 1/8^th stage.

Entente Setif, who occupy the sixth position on the Algerian league standings on 20 points, four points adrift of leaders MC Alger and with a game in hand, approach the game in the best of shapes after engaging Moroccan club Raja Casablanca last Tuesday in the semifinal second leg clash of UNAF (Union of Arab Football Union) Cup of Champions Clubs.

Les Blancs, on the otherhand fine-tuned their preparations with a 2-0 win over former Ivorian champions, Africa Sports in a friendly game in Bamako . The Bamaka-based side, losing finalists in the 1964 edition of the defunct Africa Cup of Champion Clubs, now Orange CAF Champions League, are aiming for their first ever continental triumph.

The second leg is slated for Bamako on Saturday, December 5 and the winner of the two-legged encounter will also face Orange CAF Champions League winners, T.P. Mazembe in next year’s Orange Super Cup.

Fixture
11-29-2009 18:00 Entente Setif ( Algeria ) vs. Stade Malien ( Mali )

Ziaya brace gives Entente Setif first leg lead

A brace from striker Abdelmalek Ziaya powered Algerian champions Entente Setif to a 2-0 win over Stade Malien of Mali in the Orange Confederation Cup final first leg on Sunday at the May 8, 1945 Stadium.

Ziaya, scored in each half to take his tally to 15 in the second tier continental club championship and give his club a 2-0 cushion ahead of the second leg slated for Bamako next weekend.

The result puts the Northern Algeria-based club in a good stead for their first ever continental silverware since claiming the 1988 edition of the defunct Africa Cup of Champion Clubs, and also enjoying the record of becoming the first Algerian club to win the championship initiated in 2004.

The Black Eagles started on a high note and their efforts yielded a penalty on 14 minutes after a Stade Malien defender fouled his marker in the decisive area. The resultant spot kick was excellently converted by Ziaya as the Algerians ended the first half with a thin lead.

Stade Malien, chasing their first ever continental success resumed strongly and matched their hosts squarely in all departments in their quest to draw even.

Ten minutes from time, Ziaya sealed victory with his second of the night to give his a two-goal cushion ahead of the second leg.

By the result, Les Blancs need at least three answered goals during the second leg slated for Bamako on Saturday, December 5 to lift the ultimate at the expense of the Northern Ageria based club.

The winner will pocket 660,000 US Dollar prize money and will also engage Orange CAF Champions League winners, T.P. Mazembe in next year’s Orange Super Cup.

Result
11-29-2009 18:00 Entente Setif (Algeria) 2-0 Stade Malien (Mali)

Title



Algerian side Entente Setif will be looking for a second continental title when they travel to west Africa to face Stade Malien in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup final in Bamako on Saturday.
A brace from striker Abdelmalek Ziaya has given the Algerians the advantage and they lead 2-0 from the first leg, having achieved the twin aims of scoring at home, and not conceding an away goal.
It means a single goal for them at the Stade 26 mars will leave their hosts needing to score four to win the tie, though that is something the Mali side achieved the semifinals when they saw off Egyptian outfit ENPPI 4-2 in the home leg.
The undoubted star of the show for Entente Setif is Ziaya, who has scored 15 goals in 15 games in the competition to date, a record that has led to interest from Europe where French Ligue 1 side Sochaux are said to be on the verge of mounting an offer.
But he will be suspended for the second leg of the final, a major blow for Setif but one that coach Ali Mechiche is taking on the chin.
“The stadium atmosphere will be harsh, and they will look to intimidate us," the tactician told Malian Rise newspaper. "The suspension of Ziaya will not change anything for the team, there are several other players of good quality, the team is a group is a group of players and not only one individual.”
Sochaux have also expressed an interest in goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi, who performed such heroics between the sticks for Algeria in their 2010 World Cup Play-Off match against Egypt in Sudan on November 18, and he could be the key man again on away turf.
He will be hoping to help his side add the Confederation Cup to their trophy cabinet that also includes the 1988 African Champions Cup, when they beat Nigerian team Iwuanyanwu Nationale. The latter are now known as Heartland and lost in the final of the 2009 African Champions League to TP Mazembe of DR Congo last month.
Stade Malien were finalists in the 1964 African Champions Cup, losing to Cameroon's Oryx Douala, but have never won a continental trophy, though they do have an impressive 14 Mali League titles to their name, one of only three teams to have won the Mali championship since its inception 42 years ago in 1966.
The winning side will receive US$660 000 in prize-money and move forward to play TP Mazembe in the Super Cup early next year.

اعتقد وفاق سطيف حسم اللقب بنسبة كبيرة

صعب يا اوس
ستاد مالي فريق ضعيف للأسف

Fixtures of the final matches/ Orange CC 2009

2nd leg: Final
Stade Malien (Mali) Vs E.S.Setif (Algeria)
Date: 05/12/09
Time: 16:00
Venue: Bamako
Referees:
Referee: Maillet Eddy (Seychelles)
Assistant Ref. 1: Hassani Bechir (Tunisia)
Assistant Ref. 2: Damoo Jason (Seychelles)
Reserve Ref.: Labrosse J. C (Seychelles)

History beckons Stade Malien, Entente Setif

History will be high on the agenda as Malian side Stade Malien host Entente Setif of Algeria in the Orange Confederation Cup second leg final on Saturday.

The clash billed for the Stade 26 Mars in Bamako officially closes the chapter on the 2009 edition of the second tier continental club championship.

Entente Setif have a two-goal lead from the first leg played in the Northern Algerian city of Setif few days ago as each of the clubs chase their maiden success in the competition created in 2004.

The Bamako-based side, 14-times Malian League champions must overturn the two-goal deficit from the first leg to tilt the tide their favour. Unlike Entente Setif, African champions in 1988; Les Blancs have yet to lay their hands on any of the continental titles and will be hoping to make the best in their second appearance after losing out on their maiden attempt in 1946 in the defunct African Cup of Champions Clubs.

Overturning a two-goal deficit is realistically no mean feat but for a club that has lost only twice in their last seven games, it appears surmountable. The clash relives memories of the 1/8th round clash against another Algerian side JSM Bejaia, where Stade Malien overturn a lone goal loss from the first leg before cruising on 13-12 on penalties.

Having come close thus far, fans of Les Blancs will be highly disappointed to see their adored club failing to lift the ultimate and net on 660, 000 US Dollars prize-money. Cheick Diallo, one of the Assistant trainers of Stade Malien has observed that the task won’t come easy but they are working feverishly to topple their North African compatriots.

“It is through training sessions that we will be able to respond positively in the final hurdle. We know that it will not be easy, but we are determined to change things our way.”

Diallo’s comment is backed by striker Coulibaly Bakari, who insists their objective for the year remains the continental title.
“Our goal this year is the continental trophy. We regret the loss in the first and will go all out in the second leg” said Bakari who partly blamed their below par performance in Setif on the cold weather.

For Setif, their biggest headache is the unavailability of top marksman Abdelmalek Ziaya, who is suspended for the tie. Ziaya has scored 15-goals in the campaign and his absence is expected to serve a big gap, but coach Ali Mechiche has poured cold water on such effect.

“The suspension of my striker Ziaya will not change our plan, as there are equally good replacements. We play as a team and not rely on a single individual.”

Further more, Cameroonian-born defender Francis Ambane has expressed optimism in his side’s ability to survive in Bamako, revealing they will fight till the end.
“The first leg win is a good moral for us. We will defend tooth and nail to cruise onto victory. Stade Malien are a strong side and will come strong us in Bamako, but we are confident of success.”

The winner will also face Orange CAF Champions League winners, T.P. Mazembe in next year’s Orange Super Cup.

Fixture
12-05-2009 16:00 Stade Malien (Mali) vs. Entente Setif (Algeria) (0-2)

“With head and heart, we can win” – Diakite

Stade Malien captain Soumbeyla Diakite ahs described the second leg final of the Orange Confederation Cup as a “head and heart” affair. The goalkeeper tells Cafonline.com that they are determined to overturn the tide their favour on Saturday.





Below are excerpts of his interview with Cafonline.com:

What is the mood in your team’s camp few hours before second leg final?
We are still stronger despite some form pressure on the team. We are determined to go through and be crowned as winners of the Orange Confederation Cup title. We have the guts, will and knowledge and the strength to beat Entente Setif.

What are your expectations?
I am confident that the game will be very open. We don’t expect any major change in the play of Entente Setif. We know they will be defensive and attack when necessary. They are a physical and tactical team. The game will be a close contest.

You have brushed past all opponents, do you envisage a repeat on Saturday?
I think the scenario is winning, but they are not necessarily the same.

Tactically, how will you be approaching the game?
The coaching staff will make tactical decisions, but I think we will heed to whatever tactics put in place and the players lined up to play to win. With head and heart, we can surprise the Algerians.

“We can’t afford to miss our goal” – Entente Setif captain


Entente Setif captain Raho Slimane has revealed to cafonline.com ahead of their second leg clash of the Orange Confederation Cup final against Stade Malien of Mali that their objective remains the ultimate.
Slimane’s side were 2-0 winners in the first leg and has said they are determined to seal to their objective – ultimate.




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Below are excepts on the interview:

What’s the tactical approach for the game?
We'll play the same way we played in Algeria because we are not here to defend a given. We will play to score again. That is our goal. It's an event that you can not miss. We are a united team and will prove it on the field of play.

What kind of game are you expecting?
The match will be tough because we will be playing against a team that lost 0-2 in the first leg. It will be a difficult game. We did not cash in much on home advantage in the first leg but Stade Malien is a good team, capable of achieving any result.

What is the moral in your camp this few hours to the game?

We have been preparing for the game strategically. Nothing special, except that we are enjoying Malian hospitality. I know this country have been here a couple of times. I think we should give our all in this final and we have nothing to lose.

“We have a mission to accomplish” - Dramé


Stade Malien coach Djibril Dramé tells cafonline.com that his team has a mission to accomplish in the Orange Confederation Cup final second leg clash against Entente Setif of Algeria. The Malians lost 0-2 in the first leg and are hoping to overturn the tide their favour.





Below are excerpts of the interview:

Tactically, the stage will be different compared to Setif?
I’m not sure, since the team will approach the game on Saturday with other missions. With two-goal lead, the Algerians will like to close the game by playing defensive. But we will force them to play and will work hard in that direction.

What are your expectations?
This will be a hotly contested final second leg between Stade Malien and Entente Setif. Each team has large assets and the difference will be on details. We have been working since our return from the first leg. We are focused for the game and will play with more commitment. We have also have to be mentally strong.

Will you be switching tactics from the first leg?
Every game comes with its approach. We are moving with time. This game is an important assignment and we have the opportunity to make history. I really hope this young team will win to complete history.

Any injury worries?
Not much. There is uncertainty on the availability of some players, but that is up to the team Doctor.

Message to your fans
We know the fans will be present as usual. We ask for patience especially in difficult situations. Their support in difficult moments is very crucial as there can be a turnaround at any time of the game. Their role is very important.

“I expect a difficult and aggressive game” – Mechiche


In less than twenty-four hours to second leg final clash of the Orange Confederation Cup, Entente Setif coach Ali Mechiche tells Cafonline.com that he expects a difficult and aggressive game. The Algerians have won the first leg played in Setif last week 2-0.




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Below are excerpts of the interview:

What is the mood in your team’s camp few hours before the final?
The team has arrived in Bamako. We expect to play a great game on Saturday though, the match will be difficult. We are aware of the strength of our opponents especially on their home ground. I think the game will be a beautiful to climax an African cup final. On Friday, we will train at the Modibo Keita Stadium to have a feel of the turf.

What are your expectations?
It will be a great final between two teams who can play well. These are the two best teams in Africa. It will be an intense final and very aggressive. There will be real good football but I think the match will be very difficult for both teams.

What does the absence striker Abdelmalek Ziaya mean to you chances?
Ziaya will be conspicuously absent due to suspension, but we'll try to find ways to fill that void.

الملعب المالي يستضيف وفاق سطيف في اياب نهائي الكونفدرالية

ستكون الفرصة متاحة امام وفاق سطيف الجزائري للحصول على لقب كأس الاتحاد الأفريقي عندما يحل ضيفاً على الملعب المالي اليوم في إياب الدور النهائي في العاصمة المالية باماكو اليوم.وكان وفاق سطيف قطع خطوة هامة نحو الظفر باللقب للمرة الأولى في تاريخه بعد فوزه على الملعب المالي 2-صفر يوم الأحد الماضي على ملعب 8 مايو في سطيف، أمام 30 ألف متفرج في ذهاب الدور النهائي.