Ouagadougou: Union Sportive des Forces Armees (USFA) coach Amadou Sampo expressed his team's ambition to reach the group stage of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Cup during a pre-match press conference in Ouagadougou. Ahead of the match against AS Bgohloe-su of Togo, Sampo highlighted the dedication and resources invested by the club's leadership to achieve this goal.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Sampo emphasized the importance of converting goal-scoring opportunities, reflecting on their recent 0-1 loss to Rahimo FC in the AJSB Super Cup. He noted that the team must improve its efficiency in front of the goal. "The important thing is to score goals," Sampo stated, underlining the necessity of capitalizing on chances.
Sampo acknowledged the efforts made by the club leaders, who organized an international tournament in Ouagadougou and facilitated comprehensive training for the team. He expressed confidence in his understanding of the Togolese team's cultural state, given the participation of two Togolese teams in the local tournament, but warned against underestimating their opponent's ability to leverage the competition for player exposure.
The USFA squad, known as the "Rouge et Bleu" of Ouagadougou, faced some challenges with key players like central defender Patrick Malo and Yves Koutiama missing parts of the preparation. These players had been participating in the CHAN with the Etalons A' but have since regained their form, which Sampo considers a significant boost.
Captain Patrick Malo, present at the press conference, conveyed a positive team atmosphere, acknowledging the pressure but aiming to channel it constructively. The USFA's return to African competition after more than a decade serves as a powerful motivator for the team. In contrast, AS Bgohloe-su of Togo, who did not attend the press conference, are entering their maiden African competition, marking a new chapter for the club.