Historic: Djoliba AC join the ranks of Africa's big clubs

It is no exaggeration to say Djoliba AC have pulled off a remarkable feat, becoming the first and only Malian club to reach the group stage of Africa's most prestigious club competition, a landmark moment in the history of Malian football. The achievement underlines the club's progress and potential on the continental stage, and reflects the commitment and effort of the players, the technical staff and the club's officials.

It is fitting that Djoliba AC's historic achievement coincides with celebrations marking the 64th anniversary of Mali's independence, underlining the role of sport in national unity and pride. The event could not only lift the spirits of the club's supporters, but also celebrate national heritage and identity through sporting success.

A long quest finally rewarded

After six previous failed attempts, the most popular club in Mali have finally made history by qualifying for the group stage of the African Champions League. The Malian side finally cleared this long-coveted hurdle by beating ASKO de Kara of Togo in the 2nd preliminary round, winning 2-0 on aggregate thanks to goals from Zoumana Simpara, 1-0 in the first leg in Bamako and 0-1 in the return in Lomé. The success marks a high point in Djoliba AC's history and raises hopes of a promising showing in the 2024-2023 edition of the competition.

The club from the Malian capital had indeed suffered six failed attempts in the competition, coming close to qualifying on several occasions, notably against sides such as Raja Club, Zesco United and Sunshine Stars, which shows a potential that has often gone untapped.

• Raja de Casablanca in 1999, 2-1 in the first leg in Morocco and 2-1 in the return in Bamako (5-4 on penalties)
• Espérance de Tunis in 2000, 3-2 in the first leg in Tunis and 1-1 in the return in Bamako.
• Zesco United in 2008, 0-0 in the first leg in Bamako and 2-1 in the return in Zambia.
• TP Mazembe in 2010, 1-0 in the first leg in Bamako and 3-0 in the return in Brazzaville
• Sunshine Stars in 2012, 1-1 in the first leg in Bamako and 1-0 in the return in Nigeria
• CR Belouizdad in 2022, 2-1 in the first leg in Bamako and 2-0 in the return in Sétif.

This result is a genuine landmark for Djoliba AC, not only for the current squad but for all the legends who have proudly worn the club's colours over the years. Their dedication and performances laid the foundations needed to reach this level, a testament to the heritage and passion surrounding this emblematic Malian club, beaten finalists in the 2012 edition of the CAF Confederation Cup.

We think in particular of Teninma N’diaye, Boureima Traoré “Bouramablé”, Malale N’diaye, Soumaila Coulibaly, Soumaila Traoré “Soumalaba”, Javier Abouta, Sékou Bagayoko, Amadou Diallo “docteur”, Seyba Lamine Traoré, Oumar Bagayoko, Kalilou Doumbia, Lassana Fané “Lassa”, the late Lassana Diallo, Harouna Macalou, Amadou Sidibé “Yaba”, Adama Tamboura, Adama Coulibaly “Police”, Yaya Coulibaly “Chinois”, Daouda Diakité “Darou”, Abdoul Karim Toumkara “Extra”, Alfousseini Keita, Seydou Diallo “Capi”, Mahamane Cissé, Idrissa Laïco Traoré, Cheick Oumar Bathily, Sory Ibrahim Bangoura, Samba Diallo, the late Guinbala Ouélé Toumkara, Salif Coulibaly, Mohamed Oumar Konaté, Salif Coulibaly, Boubacar Bangoura “Sokri”, Oumar Camara, Barou Sanogo and Hamidou Sinayoko.

This historic achievement also reflects the unwavering commitment of visionary officials who, through inspiring leadership and an unfailing passion for Djoliba AC, built a competitive club and strengthened its identity, putting its name in lights on the national and continental stage. They include the late Tiéba Traoré, the late Tiékoro Bagayoko, the late Karounga Keïta Kéita “Kéké”, the late Abdoulaye Traoré Tout “petit”, Modibo Niangadou and the late Lassine T. Diarra, to name just a few from a non-exhaustive list.

It also reflects the constant efforts of the current officials to set the club apart in African football and enhance its reputation. Examples include Tidiani Médian Niambélé, the club's current president, Yeli Sissoko, Mamadou Konaté “EGK” and Boubacar Monzon Traoré, among others.

Warm congratulations to the players, to the technical staff led by coach Mamadou Demba Traoré and to the supporters for this historic achievement! Thanks to their dedication and hard work, they have written their club's name into the annals of Malian and African football by reaching the group stage of the Confederation of African Football's most prestigious club competition. It is a source of pride not only for them, but for the whole country, and it opens the door to further success. Coach Mamadou Demba Traoré has etched his name for ever in Malian football history as the first to take a Malian club to the group stage of the CAF Champions League.

A club with a glorious past

Djoliba AC, based in Bamako, Mali, are indeed one of the most prestigious clubs in Malian football. Founded in 1960, they have enjoyed plenty of success on the national and continental stage. The club have won several league titles and several national cups in Mali, and have reached the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup on several occasions, finishing runners-up in 2012 against AC Léopards, 2-2 in the first leg in Bamako and 2-1 in the return.

Joining the ranks of Africa's big clubs is not only recognition of the club's past performances but also a sign of its future ambitions. African clubs such as Al Ahly, Wydad de Casablanca, Mamelodi Sundowns and Espérance de Tunis have impressive honours lists, and for Djoliba AC that means they must keep investing in talent, strengthening their infrastructure and developing their strategy to stay competitive.

If Djoliba AC can sustain a high level, take part regularly in African competitions and get good results, they could indeed consolidate their place among Africa's big clubs. That will take constant commitment and effort on both the sporting and administrative sides.

The group stage, which starts in November 2024, promises to be a decisive moment for Djoliba AC, a club whose ambitions keep growing. The draw, scheduled for 7 October at 10:00 GMT, will determine their opponents and highlight the challenges the team will face in taking on the giants of African football. This stage often means hard-fought battles on the pitch, and Djoliba AC, with their rich history and passionate supporters, hope to shine for the good of Malian football.

Dubwasi Jules DEMBELE