Hélder Duarte and his players are one step away from making history. The Black Bulls team travels today to Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, with the mission of defending the narrow 1-0 advantage gained at home against AS Otohô d'Oyo, in the second leg of the final qualifying round for the CAF Cup group stage. Only 90 minutes separate the "bulls" from the group stage of an African competition for the first time.
The trip is scheduled for 2 PM, with the route Maputo-Addis-Ababa-Brazzaville, and the expected arrival in the Congolese capital is early afternoon tomorrow. The team will spend the night in the Ethiopian capital before continuing to Congo. Even with the tight schedule, the Black Bulls are not slowing down and held a training session this morning at 9 AM on the Tchumene pitch. Once in Brazzaville, the team plans two training sessions: the first early evening tomorrow and the official training session on Saturday afternoon, at the time of Sunday's game.
The decisive match will be played on Sunday at 3:30 pm local time (4:30 pm in Maputo) at the Alphonse Massamba-Débat Olympic Stadium, a historic stadium with a capacity of 33,000 people, also known as the Revolution Stadium, as it was the site of the proclamation of Congo's independence on August 15, 1960.
Strategy for the Game
Although Black Bulls hold a 1-0 advantage, the tie is still open. A goalless draw or a defeat by a single goal, provided they score, such as 1-2 or 2-3, would also guarantee qualification for the Mozambican team. However, coach Hélder Duarte made it clear that his team will not go to Brazzaville to play defensively. "We will fight for the victory, playing our usual football," the coach assured, reinforcing that the objective is to win the game, not just defend the result.
Historical and Perspectives
If Black Bulls manage to qualify, it will be the first time the team has reached the group stage of an African competition. In 2022, in their debut in continental competitions, the team was eliminated by Petro de Luanda in the Champions League, but now, with a new opportunity, the "bulls" have the chance to redeem themselves and be present in the CAF Cup.
AS Otohô d'Oyo, an emerging Congolese football club, is looking to reach the group stage for the second time. Their first participation was in the 2021/22 CAF Cup. This Sunday's match promises to be decisive and exciting, with both teams seeking a historic achievement.
With a crucial game ahead, Black Bulls are determined to write a new chapter in their history, facing all the challenges that Brazzaville may present. The outcome will be eagerly awaited by Mozambican fans, who are hoping for a new achievement in continental football.
