Monrovia – Liberian Football Association champions Watanga FC and Orange Cup winners Paynesville FC have been matched against opponents from Cameroon and Algeria in the upcoming CAF 2024/2025 competitions. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted the draw for the preliminary rounds of the 2024/2025 African Champions League and Confederation Cup on Thursday, July 11, 2024, setting up challenging fixtures for the Liberian sides against teams from Central and North Africa.
In the African Champions League preliminaries, Liberian champions Watanga FC will face Algerian champions Mouloudia Club d’Alger. The first leg is scheduled to be played at the Samuel Kanyan Doe Sports Complex (SKD) in Paynesville City between August 16-18, while the second leg will take place in Algeria from August 22-25. Watanga FC, under the guidance of Coach Copper Sannah, will be making their second appearance in the Champions League and are determined to progress beyond the preliminary round. The team has bolstered its squad with several new and young players to make a significant impact on the continental stage. Previously, Watanga FC was eliminated by Nigerian side Rivers United in their debut Champions League appearance and also knocked out by Stade Malien in the Confederation Cup last year. Success against North African clubs has historically eluded Liberian teams in CAF competitions, but Coach Sannah is optimistic about changing that narrative. His primary ambition for this year’s CAF competition is to lead his team to the group stage, aiming to set a record as the only Liberian side to achieve this feat.
Meanwhile, Paynesville FC, who won the Orange Cup last season, will be making their debut in CAF competition and will face Fovu De Baham of Cameroon in the CAF Confederation Cup’s 1st Preliminary Round. The first leg is expected to be played in Paynesville, Liberia, between August 16-18, 2024, with the return leg in Cameroon between August 23-25. The winner of this match will go on to meet Stade Malien in the 2nd Preliminary Round. Although new to CAF competitions, Paynesville FC boasts experienced players who have participated in the Champions League, Confederation Cup, and national team. Coach Dominic Savice, who has remarkably promoted the team from the third division to the first division in just three years, faces significant pressure to deliver due to substantial investments in the club.
A total of 59 clubs from 47 African countries will compete in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League, while the CAF Confederation Cup will feature 52 clubs representing 41 countries. The CAF Interclub men’s competitions remain among the most prestigious in African club football, attracting record global TV audiences and reflecting the ever-growing standard of African football. Last season, reigning champions Al Ahly SC extended their TotalEnergies CAF Champions League titles to a record 12, while their rivals Zamalek secured their second CAF Confederation Cup title.
Discussion about this post