Frank Acheampong focused on winning with Tianjin Teda

Ghanaian international Frank Acheampong is hopeful of helping Tianjin Teda record their first win of the Chinese Super League season when they welcome Beijing Guoan on Thursday.

Acheampong missed Tianjin Teda’s 2-2 draw with Chongqing Lifan through an ankle injury he sustained in their season opener against Shanghai SIPG.

The 26-year-old was rested by Coach Uli Stielike ahead of Thursday’s clash with Beijing Gouan at home as Tianjin Teda chases their first win of the season.

Speaking to the Graphic Sports from his China base, Acheampong said it was tough missing out on his club’s 2-2 stalemate with Lifan due to injury but was hoping to return against Beijing Guoan on Thursday.

“It’s tough I couldn’t be available to help my teammates in a tough game against Chongqing Lifang especially after we lost the first game,” he said.

“We need to start collecting points to be competitive this season and we are not giving up despite several odds against us even before the start of the season.

“We want to finish the season in the strongest way possible and it starts with us winning matches,” he added.

Acheampong has scored 30 goals and assisted 14 times for Tianjin Teda since joining the club two and a half seasons ago.

He is looking forward to improve on his previous season’s performance of nine goals and assists by the end of the campaign.