Country: Congo City: Dolisie, Niari Department Ground: Stade Denis Sassou Nguesso, Dolisie (20,000) Nickname: Les Fauves de Niari (The Beasts from Niari) Official website: http://www.acleopards.com/ Honors: 1 Congo Premier League, 3 Congo Cup, 2 Congo Super Cup, 1 CAF Confederation Cup A background: Emerging from the city of Dolisie, the Beasts were founded by Father Le Normand under the name of Leopards Dolisie in 1953, eighteen years before changing to AC Leopards following the democratization of sports in Congo. Despite being 60 years on the ground now, Leopards history was virtually made just after 2009, which saw them clinch seven trophies in less than four years, including three domestic cup titles. But the year 2012 witnessed their most glorious campaign ever; winning their maiden Congolese league title, yet that wasn't what really impressed the Dark Continent. Leopards took Africa by storm to become the first club from Congo to reach the Confederation Cup final before eventually clinching the trophy. They overcame Mali's Djoliba with a 4-3 aggregate win to end Congo's 38-year wait for a continental club trophy and introduce themselves as one of the potential African powerhouses. Man to watch: Rudi Ndey Ndey is a Congo international striker renowned for a decent goal-scoring ability that was demonstrated when he netted Leopards only goal against Ahli in the African Super Cup in Alexandria this year. He had a brief spell in Europe with Ukrainian side Zorya Lugansk early in his career before returning to Africa with Gabon's Delta Telestar Libreville and then a handful of Congolese clubs. The 27-year-old has been with Leopards since 2010 but his major contribution was the five goals he scored in the triumphant Confederation Cup campaign last year, including a crucial winner in the final. In addition to his strike against Djoliba, Ndey scored what proved to be the goal that sent Leopards to the group stage in the 4-4 aggregate draw that was followed by a shootout win over Algeria's Setif. Ndey vs. Setif Ndey vs. Ahli Coach: Marius Omog Omog is an experienced Cameroonian who helped Tonnerre Yaoundé finish third place in the 1989 Champions League. He was assistant to Winfried Schafer when the German guided the Indomitable Lions to the 2002 African Cup of Nations title before proving his credentials as a tactician in the stunning Confederation Cup triumph with Leopards last year.
