FC Samartex, Nsoatreman FC set for continental showdowns Sunday

Ghana Premier League champions, FC Samartex 1996, embark on their maiden CAF Champions League adventure, with a tough clash against Cameroun’s Victoria United this Sunday.

Simultaneously, at the Accra Sports Stadium, Nsoatreman FC will kick off their historic journey in the CAF Confederation Cup, taking on Chadian side, Elect Sport FC, in the first leg of the preliminary round.

Sunday’s encounter at the 50,000-seater Japoma Stadium in Douala marks a significant milestone for Coach Nurudeen Amadu and his squad as they step onto the continental stage for the first time.

The Samreboi-based club, fresh from their domestic success, are eager to continue their fairy-tale run by making an impact in Africa’s premier club competition. 

Preparation

With a tricky away fixture ahead, FC Samartex have left no stone unturned in their preparations, strengthening their squad with key additions such as former Hearts of Oak captain, Kofi Agbesimah, and Mohammed Alhassan Mankuyeli from RTU.

Mankuyeli, fully aware of the expectations, is confident that the team will make a memorable debut despite their lack of experience on the continental front.

"We are the Ghana League champions, and we’re determined to leave our mark in the CAF Champions League. As debutants, we’ve been working hard to ensure we progress in this competition, starting with a victory in the first preliminary round," the striker stated.

In their build-up to Sunday’s match, FC Samartex clinched the 2024 Nsenkyire Cup and engaged Togolese side ASKO de Kara in Lomé, testing the resilience and readiness of Coach Amadu’s squad.

Victoria United, based in Limbe, are also making their continental debut after clinching Cameroun’s top-flight title last season upon their return to the Elite One League. Their Bulgarian coach, Nicolae Dimitar Pantev, will be counting on robust home support to secure a crucial win and gain the upper hand ahead of the return leg.

Meanwhile, Coach Yaw Preko has assured the Daily Graphic that Nsoatreman FC will field a formidable team on Sunday, as they seek a decisive victory against the seven-time Chad Premier League champions to gain a strong advantage for the second leg.