ASEC Mimosas will be crowned the 2017 Cote d’Ivoire Ligue 1 champions if they beat Williamsville Athletic Club in the penultimate round of the topflight at the Piece Stadium, Bouake Saturday.
Perched at the top of the 14-team log standings on 42 points – one clear of WAC, the Mimosas will need a simple win to clinch the title for the first time in seven years.
Dubbed “the final”, the tie promises nothing but fireworks, as the stakes have never been so high for the Abidjan based outfits.
WAC will be looking to stretch their chances of a first ever title to the final day with either a win or a draw, while the Mimosas will be out to secure a record 25th gong on the day.
The Mimosas will also be going into the tie knowing that this could be their only chance of major silverware this season after crushing out of the National Cup last weekend.
If Mimosas end their dreams, WAC will have themselves to blame for handing them a lifeline in the title race, after letting go a healthy lead. WAC lost four of their last five outings, while the Mimosas managed a win and two draws over the same period.
The two have met twice this season with the Yellow and Black winning 2-1 on both occasions. Mimosas will be buoyed by the scintillating form of the April Ligue 1 player of the year Aristide Bance.
The Burkinabe, who is back to his best since signing for the Mimosas this season, is fresh from international duty where he scored a brace for the Stallions.
AS Tanda at position three in the log on 38 points can only finish second, and will not be able to defend their title, which they won twice in a row.
