This Saturday, October 17, 2026, AFAD Plateau will face CS Sfaxien at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan for the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup. Kick-off is set for 16:00 GMT. The Academicians hope to leverage their home advantage to prepare well for the return match.
In the national league, AFAD has recently recorded two draws against ASEC Mimosas (1-1) and SO Armée (1-1). On the continental stage, the Ivorian club also faced a tight double confrontation against East End Lions from Sierra Leone, with a 1-1 draw in Abidjan and another 2-2 in Freetown. The Academicians will now need to improve their efficiency to compete with the experience of CS Sfaxien.
For this first encounter, AFAD plans to rely on a solid defense, game control, and quick passing. The coaching staff hopes to field a competitive team to meet the Tunisian challenge. Defensive concentration will be crucial to limit the chances created by the opponent and prevent a goal at home.
Among the players to watch, Kouadio Brou Jean-Christ stands out as a key asset in midfield. A true conductor, he facilitates the transition between defense and attack with his game vision, passing accuracy, and ability to retain the ball under pressure. His influence could help the Academicians break through the defensive block of CS Sfaxien.
In attack, Armand Gnanduillet is also expected to make an impact with his speed and ability to penetrate. His knack for creating one-on-one duels and destabilizing opposing defenses could provide additional options for AFAD. These two players will play a crucial role in seeking a positive result before the trip to Tunisia.
