CAF Online
Sunday August 27, 2023
Djiboutian club Arta Solar have made history by becoming the first team from their country to reach the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup second round after thrashing Somalia's Horseed SC 6-0 on aggregate.
A 3-0 first leg win was matched in the return fixture on Thursday as the debutants cruised through in style.
Ghanaian striker Gabriel Dadzie bagged a brace at Tanzania's Azam Complex Stadium, with Ayman Hussien netting an own goal in the comprehensive victory.
It completes a momentous Continental campaign so far for Djibouti, who had never previously had a club progress beyond the first round.
Club President Tommy Tayoro's heavy squad investment has allowed local players to develop alongside international stars.
But Arta now face a monumental challenge against Egyptian giants Zamalek in the second round.
The Cairo club are seasoned campaigners, winning the Confederation Cup in 2018 and finishing runners-up two years later.
Arta will host the intimidating first leg on 15 September before travelling to Egypt for the daunting second leg on 29 September.
It promises to be an intriguing battle between the experienced Zamalek side and Confederation Cup debutants Arta Solar.
The Djiboutians have adopted the motto "In the end, Arta Solar wins" during their giant-killing journey so far.
But defeating five-time African champions Zamalek to reach the group stage would be their greatest achievement yet.
Even qualifying for this stage is historic progress for Djiboutian football.
Reaching the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup second round demonstrates Arta Solar's remarkable development under President Tayoro.
Their first continental adventure could continue with another shock result when they host Zamalek next month.
For now, Arta's players and fans will savour a historic moment for Djibouti as they look ahead to their toughest test.