After a valuable 1-0 victory against Orapa United this Sunday, Jaraaf (3rd, 5 points) managed to stay in the race for qualification in the CAF Cup, staying tied with ASEC Mimosas (2nd, 5 points) . Coach Malick Daf, at the end of the meeting, did not hide his satisfaction while remaining focused on the major objective which is looming: a crucial duel against ASEC on January 12, which he already qualifies of “final”.
“We were there to win, and we did it. It was a very difficult match, but we showed a lot of desire,” said Malick Daf. The start of the match was, according to him, one of the best since the start of the season, with several opportunities on both sides. However, the missed penalty in the first half sowed doubt within the team. “The missed penalty created doubt, but in the second half we changed our approach by introducing more attackers and insisting on scoring,” explained Malick Daf. The team continued to push and eventually picked up three crucial points, although the scoreline was narrow. “As time went by, we held on and the changes brought freshness,” added the coach.
If victory is achieved, the coach stressed that offensive efficiency remains an area for improvement. “The last move was missing,” he confided, referring to the imprecision of his players in the finishing areas. “The players were sometimes selfish, seeking to play individually instead of favoring collective play,” he observed, while specifying that this situation could improve during the next match.
The stakes are now clear: a decisive match against ASEC Mimosas, leader of group C, is looming on January 12. “It’s a final. ASEC is a great team and this match will not be easy. If we want to get through the second round, we absolutely have to win,” said Malick Daf. Aware of the challenges ahead, the coach insisted on the need to correct the mistakes made during the match against Orapa. According to him, a little more concentration and efficiency could make the difference. “Nothing is impossible in football. With more concentration, we can get there,” he concluded.
wiwsport.com
