Don't miss this important turning point in the pools

The match against ASEC Mimosas constitutes an important turning point in the group stage of the CAF Cup for USMA. Victory will allow him to secure qualification and possibly first place. A meeting that the Nabil Maâloul gang absolutely must not miss, despite the difficulty of the mission.

It is from today that the USMA will reconnect with the CAF Cup after a three-week truce, during the match which will pit it against ASEC Mimosas (4 p.m., 5 p.m. Algerian time ), on behalf of the 4^e day of the group stage of the competition. After starting the groups with a bang against Orapa United, then going to impose a draw on ASC Jaraaf in Dakar, before following up with a brilliant victory against ASEC Mimosas, the Soustara team is a solid leader of his group with seven points. She will be called upon to continue her journey in the African event during this afternoon's match. The least we can say is that it will be a meeting not to be missed and which constitutes an important turning point in the group phase. First, the victory will allow USMA to officially ensure qualification and possibly first place too, in the event that the other Jaraaf-Orapa United match ends in a draw. If the team is aiming for the feat in Abidjan, it is also because it will be very important, before making a trip in the middle of the current week to the Botswanan city of Francistown to take on Orapa United.

The Usmists will also defy the climatic conditions of Abidjan

But you should know that victory will absolutely not be a simple formality. The least we can say is that USMA will be put to the test against the most formidable opponent in group C. Taking advantage of playing at home, ASEC Mimosas will do its best to snatch the three points and thus relaunch the race for qualification for the quarterfinals at the head of the group. In addition to the absences of the four executives Adem Alilet, Nabil Lamara, Oussama Chita and Smail Belkacemi, the climatic conditions in Abidjan are unfavorable, with great heat (35°) and a very high humidity level (80%). Thus, Captain Radouani and others will also defy the climate in Abidjan which risks constituting a real handicap in terms of returning from this trip with the three points. This is the reason why coach Maâloul relies heavily on the experience of his protégés to take up the challenge in the Ivorian capital.

A.S.