By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
Hafia FC arrive with pedigree and an illustrious history. One of Guinea’s most decorated clubs with 16 national league titles, Hafia dominated African football in the 1970s, winning three African Cup of Champions Clubs titles and earning a reputation as a continental powerhouse. They come to Sierra Leone with experience and expectation, setting up a compelling clash between rising hopefuls and seasoned campaigners.
The state-of-the-art Southern Arena in Bo, Southern Sierra Leone, will provide the stage for the much anticipated first leg encounter on Saturday, 20th September 2025, at 16:00 GMT, before traveling to Conakry for the return leg a week later. The Southern Arena is expected to come alive with anticipation as Bhantal FC takes its first major step into continental competition.
The stakes could not be higher. The winner of this tie will face Algerian powerhouse CR Belouizdad in the second preliminary round qualifier, a heavyweight clash that could define the ambitions of either side in this year’s Confederation Cup. For Bhantal, it is a chance to prove their rapid rise is no fluke; for Hafia, it is an opportunity to remind Africa of its enduring legacy on African soil.
“We may be debutants, but we will play like contenders,”….warns head coach Ibrahim Sillah ahead of Bhantal FC’s TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup tie with Hafia FC.
As Bhantal FC prepare to face Hafia FC in their debut TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup campaign, coach Ibrahim Sillah has warned his Guinean counterpart that his team is not just at the preliminary qualifiers for experience, they are determined to progress beyond the preliminary stage.
Bhantal, who finished last season as runners-up in the 2024/25 Leone Rock Premier League, will welcome Guinea’s HAFIA FC in what promises to be a gripping West African showdown. Ahead of the first-leg encounter this weekend, Bhantal’s head coach is making it clear that his team intends to make a statement on the continental stage.
In just two seasons since their promotion to Sierra Leone’s top-flight league, Bhantal FC have made remarkable strides, defying expectations to qualify for Africa’s second-tier interclub competition. Their rapid rise is a testament to ambition and a hunger to challenge the continent’s established football powers.
Speaking to this medium, head coach Ibrahim Sillah emphasized the club’s fighting spirit and lofty ambitions; “We may be debutants, but we will play like contenders. This is our moment to show Africa what Bhantal FC is about.
We’re not just here to make up the numbers; the goal is to win against Hafia, that’s why we’re here.” he said.