Dali Okahué (Sporting Gagnoa assistant coach): "Our aim is the title"

Coach, now that Sporting Gagnoa are back in Ligue 1, can we say the exit in the Confederation Cup play-off round has been put behind you?

The Confederation Cup exit is in the past. It was a disappointment, we were desperate to reach the group stage and it didn't happen. Congratulations to Asec. We are back to domestic business, because that is what earned us our place in Africa, and we face Asec on 20 November 2022. If we show the same intensity as we did in the first half of the African tie, I think we can get back onto the African stage at the end of the season.

What is the aim this season?

It's the title. Sporting Gagnoa want the Ligue 1 title. You can't have a squad of our quality, with players like Goua Marc, Traoré, the two Congolese, Mansou Kouakou and others, plus a coach who has gone for the title with WAC, and have any aim other than the title.

Who are the two new signings?

Ballo, a Mali international (defensive midfielder), and Lida Yann, who returns after a failed spell abroad. They come in to strengthen the midfield after the departure of N'Da Willy.

For the next match against Asec, what will the aim be?

For the coming match against Asec, the aim is the three points. It has been a long time since the fans have seen us play here at Biaka Boda against a big side, so we must give them something to enjoy by taking the 3 points.

Are your two games in hand an advantage?

No. A game in hand isn't a game already won, and we learned that the hard way last season. We'll work game by game to close the gap on the leading pack.

A word for your fans?

We ask our supporters to turn out in big numbers to back the team, and we hope the young players can also rise to the occasion on the pitch.

Interview conducted in Gagnoa by Sanh Séverin