Hearts, Kotoko in tough battles

The two sleeping giants of Ghana football, Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko, are in separate continental pursuits with a difficult mission to restore the confidence within their supporters rank.

The Phobians are in Accra against Olympique de Ngor, a relatively unknown character in the CAF inter-club competition, yet have the organisation and enthusiasm to upset the former African Champions in their first leg CAF Confederation duel at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday. 

For Kumasi Asante Kotoko, they make a trip to the turbulent soccer space of Algeria against Algeria’s Mouludia d’ Algiers in a crunch CAF Champions League confrontation in Algiers. Indeed, its one of the appetising fixtures for the historians of the game as both clubs are known for their rich history. Kotoko have been African champions twice, having won the erstwhile Africa Club Championship and won the domestic league 23 times, while Mouloudia won the African title once in 1979 and seven national titles under their belt.

But like Hearts of Oak, the assignment has come at a time that they are sailing against the winds, a situation that makes an African adventure a perilous undertaking. Only some few days before they left Ghana, the Porcupine Warriors signed a two-year contract with Coach David Duncan in one of the desperate moves to stem the tide of dismal showings, so a good result in Algeria tomorrow will certainly define a path of revival.

Fortunately, they still have experienced performers such as Michael Akuffo, Richard  Mpong, Amos Frimpong and Abeiko Ainooson who have matured in stature and nerves for a tough combat on the African terrain.

The Phobians, by their sheer accomplishment on the African terrain, appear overbearing in the face of the opposition from Olympique Ngor, but the latter could confound Ghanaians with their discipline and appetite for big time soccer.

Coach Herbert Addo, however, must be glad to have midfield warrior Emmanuel Hayford to compliment the efforts of top marksman Gilbert Fiamenyo and Richard Yamoah who are experiencing some good times of late.