CAF Draw Places Otohô in Group C
The Confederation of African Football conducted the group stage draw on November 3rd in Johannesburg, sending shockwaves through clubs hoping to emulate last season’s finalists. AS Otohô, the sole representative from the Republic of Congo, landed in a balanced yet demanding quartet alongside teams from South Africa, Algeria, and Tanzania.
The Oyo-based side will begin its campaign on November 23rd in Stellenbosch. A week later, the team will host CR Belouizdad in Brazzaville, before traveling east to face Singuida Black Stars on January 25, 2026. The schedule mirrors the first half of the return leg, which will conclude in Algiers on February 15th.
A 10,000-Kilometer Continental Itinerary
Stellenbosch lies 3,600 kilometers south of Brazzaville, while Algiers is located an almost equal distance to the northwest, forcing Otohô to navigate Africa’s vast geography in under 90 days. Team officials indicate that charter arrangements with Afrijet and Air Algérie are being reviewed to limit fatigue and protect training periods.
The technical director notes that “managing recovery between climates will be as decisive as match-day tactics.” Players will depart Oyo three days before away matches, transit through Brazzaville’s Maya-Maya hub, and conduct light sessions immediately upon arrival to acclimatize.
Stellenbosch FC, the In-Form South African Premiership Side
Founded only in 2016, Stellenbosch has risen rapidly under its coach’s guidance and is currently on a five-match unbeaten run at Danie Craven Stadium. Their 4-3-3 emphasizes high pressing and quick wing play. Otohô’s scouts observed last month’s league victory against Cape Town Spurs to refine match plans.
The Congolese center-back anticipates a tactical battle. “They press in numbers, so the first pass out of defense must be clean,” he says. The humid November conditions in the Western Cape could add another layer of difficulty, but Otohô’s previous visits to Durban and Polokwane offer useful reference points.
CR Belouizdad Brings North African Pedigree
Belouizdad, a ten-time Algerian champion, dropped into the competition after finishing third in their domestic league. They rely on veteran striker Karim Aribi and a disciplined 4-2-3-1. The trip to Brazzaville on November 30th will be their first official match in Congo since 1988.
The coach told Algerian media that “the humidity and pitch speed in Central Africa require precise preparation.” The technical staff has scheduled an acclimatization camp in Yaoundé to simulate Brazzaville’s weather conditions. Otohô, meanwhile, is counting on its familiarity with the synthetic turf at Stade Alphonse Massamba-Débat to unsettle the visitors.
Singuida Black Stars, Ambitious Tanzanian Debutants
Little-known outside East Africa, Singuida qualified after a surprise cup win and features several graduates from the Tanzanian U-23 national team. Midfielder Paschal Msindo dictates the tempo, while Burundian striker Abdoul Razak dispatched Gor Mahia in the last qualifying round, underscoring their threat.
Their stadium, Liti Stadium, sits at 1,200 meters above sea level. Otohô’s fitness coach has organized training with altitude masks to mimic the reduced oxygen levels. The return match in Brazzaville just seven days later could flip the psychological pressure, especially if the group standings tighten in early February.
Training Base Shared Between Oyo and Brazzaville
Domestic league matches at the Omnisports Complex in Oyo continue as scheduled, but CAF requirements are pushing continental home games to Brazzaville. Players will spend Monday to Thursday in Oyo, bus to Maya-Maya each Friday, and settle into a dedicated wing of the Pefaco Hotel, familiar from previous campaigns.
The club president confirms the budget, approved by the board and backed by local authorities, covers performance bonuses for each win. “This reflects national expectations,” he says, highlighting that the sports policy encourages exposure for regional talent. Sponsors, led by oil company Eni Congo, have renewed their support through 2027.
Ambition Tempered by Lessons from Past Group Stages
Otohô came within one point of the quarter-finals in 2019 and exited on goal difference in 2022. These experiences fuel the coach’s cautious optimism. “We discuss targets internally, but we first need six points at home,” the former national team defender explained after a morning training session in Owando.
Analysts agree that 10 points typically secure qualification. With three home games this season, Otohô aims to complete a perfect run in Brazzaville while snatching at least one draw away. The squad blends experienced veterans with young academy graduates like 19-year-old winger Prince Otoka.
In the Locker Room: Confidence and Realism
The captain, ever measured, called the draw “tough but fair.” The midfielder recalled that previous trips to Johannesburg for CAF matches yielded mixed results. “Our margin is slim, but discipline makes the difference,” he insists, noting their video analysis platform now includes drone-recorded training footage.
The goalkeeper spoke about the fans. “In Brazzaville, you feel 30,000 voices behind you,” he said, paying tribute to supporters who travel overnight from Oyo. The club has launched an online ticketing portal to simplify access, reflecting CAF’s digital transition and a broader shift toward cashless services.
A Broader Boost for Congolese Football
Officials at the Ministry of Sports view Otohô’s presence as part of the nation’s sports diplomacy within the CEMAC zone. A deep run would increase the league’s visibility, attract scout attention, and help retain talent that often departs early for North African clubs. Broadcaster Télé Congo has negotiated sub-licensing rights with SuperSport, ensuring pan-African coverage.
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