CAF Champions League: Cash-strapped Stade Mandji Arrive Abuja For Plateau United Clash
By Amaechi Agbo
Financially strapped Stade Mandji of Gabon have arrived Nigeria’s Capital Abuja this afternoon ahead of their second leg first round CAF Champions League clash with Nigeria’s Plateau United, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report.
The winner-take-all match will hold at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Sunday.
The first leg of the tie a fortnight ago, ended 2-2 after the hosts came from behind to force the visiting United to a thrilling four-goal encounter.
The Gabonese side confirmed their departure Friday morning after they were able to get support from individuals and Gabonese ministry of youth and sports.
“It is finally this afternoon that the Mandji Stadium in Port-Gentil will fly to Abuja, Nigeria to play its African Champions League return match against Plateau United” the club said in a statement.
“After endless negotiations with the Ministry of Sports, an arrangement could be found at the last moment. The Ministry of Sports has offered to cover the team’s transport titles against the payment of the final instalment of the championship bonus of CFA 30,000,000 million.
“Therefore, except for FEGAFOOT, (The Gabonese Football Federation) the association of first division clubs and some sons from the province of Ogooué-Maritime who supported the team, Mandji Stadium will not have received any state support for its African campaign.
“On the sports side, the team enjoyed a few days greening at a site in the North of Libreville. Opportunity for coach Alain MANDRAULT and his staff to change what didnt work in Franceville where Stade Mandji was held in failure 2 goals everywhere.’
The return match is scheduled for this Sunday 18th September at 4pm local time in the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Meanwhile, Plateau United Football Club this morning had a feel of the 60, 000 capacity Moshood Abiola National Stadium ahead of their Sunday’s clash. The winner of the two-leg meetings will progress into the second round preliminary stage of the continent’s highest league football competition
