MC El Eulma coach Azzedine Ait Djoudi has warned his defenders to be very careful when handling Ghana’s Asante Kotoko in the Caf Champions League round of 16 first-leg tie on Saturday in Algeria.

Conceding a goal at their Messaoud Zougar ground in El Eulma would be disastrous ahead of the return leg in Ghana, according to the coach.

“It will be very important to stick together and not concede a goal that could weigh against us in the balance,” Djoudi told Algerian football site dzfoot.com

The Algerian team qualified from the preliminary stage after defeating Ethiopian side on a 2-2 aggregate with away goals rule.

Kotoko are yet to kick a ball in the competition after enjoying a walkover following the withdrawal of Liberian side East End Lions from this year’s edition.

Djoudi, who previously managed ES Setif and JS Kabylie before his current appointment, insists his players have been instructed to attack all out to keep Kotoko goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi busy throughout the game.

“Attacking is the best way to defend. My players are determined and will not give Kotoko goalkeeper any room for idleness on Saturday,” Djoudi said.

Kotoko have recruited a new coach David Duncan, but it is yet unclear if he would be in charge of the outfit against MC El Eulma, or whether caretaker Michael Osei would be the man.

The reverse fixture is scheduled for April 2, in Kumasi.