The Amadou Diallo Football Academy (AFAD) faces the Sfaxien Sports Club (CSS) from Tunisia this Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, for the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup. Playing at home, the Ivorians aim to secure an advantage for qualification against a more experienced opponent on the continent, but one seeking redemption after a league defeat.
AFAD comes into this match after a challenging start to the national season. The Academicians have recorded two draws in the league, against SO Armée (1-1) and ASEC Mimosas (1-1). On the continental stage, they also had to fight hard to progress past the first round against East End Lions from Sierra Leone, with a 1-1 draw at home in Abidjan and a 2-2 draw away in Monrovia. This time, the Ivorian team will need to be more efficient to turn their home advantage into a positive result.
On the other hand, CSS has a stronger continental experience. The Tunisian club secured their place in this second round by overturning the Nigerian team Shooting Stars. After losing 1-0 in the first leg, they won 2-0 in the return leg to qualify with an aggregate score of 2-1. However, their recent league defeat against PS Sakiet Eddaïer (0-1) led to a change in coach, with Mohamed Kouki returning to lead the team. The trip to Abidjan is therefore a crucial test for the coach and his players.
For AFAD, the goal will be to leverage the support of their fans and improve their efficiency to approach the return match in the best possible conditions. CSS, for their part, will look to rely on their continental experience to achieve a favorable result away from home.
The kickoff is scheduled for 16:00 UTC. Qualification will be decided over the two matches, with the return leg set to take place in Tunisia the following weekend.
