Exclusive: Traore Confident in Djoliba's CAF Champions League Ambitions Despite Esperance Setback: 'Too Early to Write Us Off'

Seidou Traore believes Djoliba are still in the hunt for this season’s CAF Champions League title despite their rocky start against Esperance.

The Malian side kicked off their campaign with a 4-0 loss to the Tunisian team at Stade Hammadi Agrebi, with goals from Raed Bouchniba, Elias Mokwana, Oussama Bouguerra, and Koussay Maacha.

Djoliba will be looking for redemption as they host Egyptian side Pyramids in their next match, with the forward expressing confidence in his team’s title prospects.

Since the beginning of the interclub tournament, the team has yet to secure a win, with their most recent attempt ending in a Second Round exit after losing to Algerian side CR Belouizdad.

DREAMS OF MAIDEN TITLE REMAIN ALIVE

Speaking to SportsBoom.com, Traore stated that it’s too early to dismiss Djoliba's ambition of securing their first African title just because of their opening-game defeat.

"It's too early to count us out, but we’ll proudly embrace the underdog tag, as it brings out the best in us," he said. "We've never won this competition before, and it would be a source of great pride if we could break that curse.

"This won’t be easy, but we will do our best to win as many games as possible, while hoping for a bit of luck along the way. Losing the first game of the competition was an eye-opener, and we’ve worked on our mistakes."

NO HIDING PLACE FOR PYRAMIDS

Coach Demba Mamadou Traore’s side will be looking to get back to winning ways on Sunday against Pyramids. Similar to Esperance, the Egyptians dominated Sagrada Esperanca 5-1 and will be heading to Bamako with high hopes.

Nevertheless, Traore says his teammates are full of optimism as they aim to secure all three points in this match to boost their qualification hopes.

"Our focus is razor-sharp heading into this game, as we can’t afford another loss after what happened against Esperance," he continued.

"The team spirit in camp is excellent, and we have no excuses not to win, especially since we’re playing in front of our home fans in a familiar environment.

"We are highly motivated to get the job done and will give everything we have to secure a victory. As coach Demba has told us severally during training sessions, the result on Sunday will be a key indicator of how far we can progress in the CAF Champions League."

PYRAMIDS A VERY STRONG SIDE

Like Djoliba, Pyramids have yet to win the tournament, but Traore can vouch for the depth of quality in the Egyptian squad. With a solid squad of talented players and experienced management, the team possesses a competitive edge.

He stated: "Pyramids are a very strong team, like all North African sides. While we haven’t played them recently, we have a good understanding of their style of play.

"As is typical of teams from Egypt, they come at you aggressively, aim to score first, and then try to unsettle you with time-wasting tactics.

"Regardless of what they bring, we are fully prepared for them and will make sure they don't score first. If you look at the intensity of our training, you can see the drive and determination in us."

"Our fans were disappointed with our last performance, so winning this game would be the perfect way to reward their loyalty."

CAN DJOLIBA DEFEND LEAGUE TITLE?

Having won a record 24 league titles, the forward hopes his team will retain their domestic crown, although he admits it won’t be easy due to their involvement in the CAF Champions League and other tournaments.

"Winning the title last season was historic, but this season will be even tougher, as other teams will be aiming to take the title from us," hinted Traore.

"Playing in the CAF Champions League could make defending our crown more challenging, but we will take each game as it comes and hope for success."