Touré: A Must-Win Clash Against Lunda Sul
Stellenbosch defender Ismail Touré has underlined the importance of their upcoming CAF Confederation Cup clash against CD Lunda Sul, calling it a “must-win” as the South African side fights to keep their knockout stage ambitions alive.
The match, set for Sunday evening at Loftus Stadium, carries a significant weight, with Stellenbosch currently sitting third in Group B.
Fresh from their historic first-ever group-stage victory in the competition — a hard-fought triumph over the same Angolan outfit — Stellenbosch knows that only maximum points will suffice if they are to leapfrog Stade Malien and stay in the race with group leaders RS Berkane.
“The three remaining group stage matches are all finals for us, and we have to rectify our previous mistakes if we want to qualify for the next round,” admitted Touré, a figure whose continental experience has been invaluable for the Stellies camp.
While confidence might be bolstered by their away win in Angola, Touré was quick to caution against complacency, acknowledging the quality and unpredictability of their opponents.
“It’s true that we beat Lunda Sul in Angola, but that doesn’t mean it will be an easy match because they are a very good team. It will be up to us to do the right things and give everything to come away with the win,” said the Ivorian defender.
With just three points separating Stellenbosch from Stade Malien in second, and a daunting six-point gap to leaders RS Berkane, every moment on the pitch will matter on Sunday. Touré emphasized the need for focus and respect for their opponents.
“We have to respect them as adversaries and know that this is a different game altogether that will require us to be at our best. It remains our ambition to qualify, and that starts on Sunday with a victory against Lunda Sul,” he added.
Touré is no stranger to continental battles. Having previously featured in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup with Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas, and reaching the semi-finals of this very competition with Marumo Gallants, his experience shines as a guiding light for Stellenbosch’s less seasoned squad.
“I know African competitions very well and reached the semi-final with Gallants before joining Stellenbosch. I try my best to show my experience and help the club and my teammates who are experiencing it for the first time, and hopefully steer Stellenbosch further in the competition,” Touré shared.
