Sports News Africa :ASEC qualified for the Champions League second round against Benin’s Coton Sport Benin, after its first two matches (2-1, 2-0). It was not won immediately, as your workforce has changed a lot in the off-season.
Julian KnightIt was a challenging match because we had only played friendly matches prior to these two matches. Our first two days of the Ivorian league against Bafing & ASOA were postponed as a result of the Champions League. We will be playing against Bafing on Sunday, September 25, and ASOA on September 29, respectively. We had researched the Beninese Coton Sport team and found that it was a formidable opponent. We won in Cotonou (2-1), and we then confirmed our victory in Yamoussoukro on the return (2-0). It’s not easy to start a season in a competition such as the Champions League with knockout matches. We were playing without nets, and I’m happy for what the team did.
It will be the next round. PrioriThe Guineans of Horoya are on the program, making things a little more difficult.
In effect. It’s a team full of ambitions, a very strong squad. She hasn’t regained the championship, so she’s going to play big with us. We will be focusing on us first. It will happen quickly. We have the advantage of knowing each others better. After playing two C1 matches, there will be two league matches.
“We have high goals”
The summer transfer window proved to be very lively. More than twenty players left and a few more arrived. What did you expect?
During the transfer window, there are always many arrivals and departures at ASEC. It is something I am used to. There have been many moves this year, it is true. Important players like the goalkeeper left. Karim CisseSouth Africa. Some of our players receive attractive financial proposals and we don’t try blocking them. There were holders among all those who left. It is difficult to recruit abroad because the ASEC doesn’t have large financial resources.
Can this number of moves, which can take time to integrate new members, reduce the club’s ambitions.
No. ASEC is a club with high goals. No matter how many people are employed, the goals will remain the same. Fans want results. Our goals for this season include keeping our league title, reaching the group stage of Champions League, and shining in the National Cup. We are a team that has not yet played in a single match, so the season promises to be exciting and busy.
“I was actually approached, but I want only to focus on ASEC.»
At the local level, there will be competition…
Sure. ASOA and San Pédro, for example, are teams that have ambitions, that have quality staff, with good structures to work with. This competition is exciting, especially with a championship that is played at sixteen and a system of playoffs at the end for the four first four. We are going to play many matches, both at the continental and domestic levels.
You will be under contract until the conclusion of the season. A Tanzanian club, Simba SC, would have approached you…
I have a contract (with an optional for two additional years, editor’s note) and I want it to be honored. Although I was approached, I have exciting goals for ASEC, a club that I am familiar with and where I feel good. ASEC is my main focus.
Alexis BILLEBAULT
Source: sportnewsafrica
