Ouagadougou: Rahimo FC of Burkina Faso and AS Manga Sport of Gabon drew 0-0 on Saturday at the August 4 Stadium in Ouagadougou, in the first leg of the African Champions League preliminary round.
According to Burkina Information Agency, both teams played a balanced match. The young Rahimo FC side were unable to score against the experienced AS Manga Sport team from Gabon. Despite facing pressure from the Academiciens de Bama in the second half, the Gabonese team created one of the best chances of the game five minutes from time. Forwards Samson Mbingui and Farnay Kaled tangled their legs, allowing Rahimo’s defense to clear.
AS Manga Sport coach Djony Kevin of Gabon remarked, “The match was enjoyable, unfortunately we couldn’t score. We’ll settle for this draw and refocus for the return match because it’s a flattering score.” He continued that his boys played well except that they lacked depth.
Rahimo FC coach, Moroccan Jamil Benouahi, noted, “it wasn’t an easy match with young players facing experienced players. They were paralyzed by the stakes. Regardless of the result of the match, it doesn’t indicate which team will qualify for the return leg. We will try to negotiate well in the return leg.” Benouahi expressed satisfaction that his team did not concede at home, calling it a positive outcome. He believes the upcoming match gives both teams a fair chance.
Rahimo FC captain Ardjouma Ouattara admitted some teammates were slow to get back into the game and expressed optimism that they will learn from this experience for the return match, which is scheduled to take place next week in Libreville.