FC Samartex pip Victoria United to advance in CAF Champions League
FC Samartex secured their place in the next stage of the CAF Champions League with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Camerounian side, Victoria United, at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, August 25, completing a 2-0 aggregate win.
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The crucial moment of the match came early, as FC Samartex's left-back Isaac Afful, scored the only goal of the game in the eighth minute. Afful, showing remarkable pace and skill, burst down the left flank, cut into the penalty area, and unleashed a powerful shot into the roof of the net.
The early strike sent the home fans into raptures and set the tone for what was an entertaining match.
The Ghanaian champions had shown their attacking intent from the start, with Baba Musah Amando nearly opening the scoring just minutes before Afful's goal.
After breaking through the offside trap, Amando found himself one-on-one with Victoria United's goalkeeper Parfait Fokam, but his shot lacked power and was easily saved.
Early setback
Victoria United, undeterred by the early setback, created their chances, most notably in the 24th minute when Richard Nji's header from a Doualla Wilfred freekick struck the crossbar, leaving the Samartex defence and goalkeeper Kofi Baah rooted to the spot.
The visitors continued to press for an equalizer, but Samartex held firm. Richmond Darko came close to doubling Samartex's lead with a powerful low drive that narrowly missed the target.
After recess, Victoria United, made a tactical substitution, bringing on Tetego Ryon, which shifted the game's momentum in their favour.
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They dominated possession and tested the FC Samartex defence, but the home side remained resolute.
Tetego's exploits in midfield were phenomenal as the host struggled to contain him as he freely distributed the ball to his wingers to threaten the Samartex defence but their finishing was poor.
Penalty appeal
As the game wore on, FC Samartex had another opportunity to seal the victory when Isaac Afful was brought down in the box by Victoria United's Donald Bitjick.
The home crowd erupted in anticipation of a penalty, but the referee waved play on, much to their disappointment.
In the closing stages, Victoria United continued to pile on the pressure, but Samartex's defence, led by goalkeeper Kofi Baah, held strong.
During time added on, Samartex had the opportunity to seal victory when Francis Gyetuah set up Emmanuel Mamah but with just the goalkeeper to beat, he fluffed the effort much to the dismay of the entire stadium.