AS Lossi are currently sitting in second place, behind Magenta, in the standings with just four points separating the two top ranked teams.
Tonight’s opponent Associations Groupe des Jeunes du Pacifique (AGJP), on the other hand, are trying to keep themselves out of the relegation zone – which they are currently just four points off.
While both are hungry for a victory, as the second half of the season gets underway, it is the top ranking Lossi who hold the advantage.
They are well in the running to be crowned Champion de Calédonie for the first time in their history, but need to remain conscious of the threat from Magenta, who will pounce on any errors their adversaries might make.
“Magenta is strong, we are aboulutely aware of that and therefore need to stay humble,” says Ouahib Djaouti, successor to and former assistant of Thierry Sardo who resigned from the head coach post before the break.
“It’s the continuation of a collective set up by Thierry over the past few seasons. This team, from the beggining of the championship, has remained unbeaten and that’s really good,” Djaouti continues.
“But I often repeat to the players, we need to be patient and we have to be endurant physically as well as psychologically.
“We have a superb team with the automations in place, but as we saw last season, we failed psychologically at the end of the championship. Humility and mental strength should serve us well for the remainder of the season.”
And while Djaouti is aware that his side’s ability to cope with the pressure is important, they also have to hope Alain Moizan’s men stumble, with Magenta still leading the standings – and the favourites.
“Just like Magenta, we remain undefeated. The bar is already very high and we are looking forward to the competition getting back underway after such a long break.”
For tonight’s opponents, it’s not looking like an easy run to escape the relegation zone and assure their stay in the elite ranks is extended.
Léon Jébez’s side are the current holders of the record for worst defence in the championship, with 44 goals conceded. But they can take confidence that their attack is relatively prolific having scored 27 goals.
If they can manage an upset over Lossi it would be the confidence-booster they need, and the points, to perhaps retain that Super Ligue spot.
AGJP take on AS Lossi at Stade Numa Daly tonight (Friday, 11 July), kick-off at 7.15pm local time.
For more on New Caledonia football go to www.fedcalfoot.com

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