Champion of Champions Cup: FC Samartex lock horns with Nsoatreman FC

The newly refurbished T&A Stadium at Tarkwa will burst to life this Saturday as reigning Ghana Premier League champions, FC Samartex 1996, go head-to-head with the current MTN FA Cup holders, Nsoatreman FC, for the 2024 Champion of Champions cup, which heralds the start of the new football season.

This fixture signifies a notable shift in Ghanaian football power. FC Samartex, having clinched their first-ever Premier League title in just their second season in the top flight, and Nsoatreman FC, who secured the MTN FA Cup by defeating Bofoakwa Tano, have emerged as strong challengers to the traditional powerhouses.

Both teams have made impressive strides in their maiden continental campaigns. FC Samartex advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League, while Nsoatreman FC progressed to the same stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Yesterday, FC Samartex triumphed over Victoria United with a 1-0 win in Accra, securing a 2-0 aggregate victory. 

Meanwhile, Nsoatreman FC delivered a commanding 2-0 victory against Elect Sports FC in Yaoundé last Saturday, progressing with a 5-0 aggregate after winning the first leg 3-0 in Accra.

This weekends clash at Tarkwa provides both teams an opportunity to assert their dominance and showcase their readiness for the upcoming season.

Coach Nurudeen Amadu’s ‘Timber Giants’ will be eager to continue their strong form with a win that would solidify their status as Ghana's top club.

Key players such as captain Emmanuel Adu Siaw, Samuel Tetteh, Emmanuel Mamah, James Sewornu, Dauda Yussif Seidu, and Richmond Darko will be crucial to their success.

Coach Yaw Preko, having made a promising start in continental competition with Nsoadreman will be gunning for his first major trophy with the Twumasikrom-based side.

He will rely on players such as Walid Neymar and Stephen Diyou, the heroes of their 2-0 win last Saturday, to challenge the league champions and seize bragging rights.