Hearts host AS Police ; In Confederation Cup
Accra Hearts of Oak begin another desperate search for their second CAF Confederation Cup silverware at home against AS Police of Benin in a preliminary round first leg battle at the Accra Stadium on Sunday.
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The duel, which has resulted in the postponement of the First Capital Plus Premier League, comes a few days after the Phobians lost 1-2 at the same venue to less-fancied New Edubiase United.
Hearts embark on this ambitious African journey on a jerky note as some members of the Phobian fraternity see it a fruitless venture since the team lacks the quality to excel in Africa.
Obviously, Coach Herbert Addo’s present squad comes nowhere near those who secured Hearts the CAF Champions League and Super Cup in 2000, as well as the maiden Confederation Cup title in 2004 at the expense of local rivals Asante Kotoko.
Hearts go into this campaign against the backrop of an uninspiring league form which has seen them amass eight points from a possible 21, further strengthening the argument of the critics about Africa being a wasteful effort.
The poor run has left Hearts perching in an unfamiliar 12th position, just days after moving three steps up from the 14th position after shocking Kotoko 1-0 in Kumasi.
The onus, therefore, lies on Coach Addo and his new generation of players to justify the investment with an impressive showing against the Beninois on home soil come Sunday.
Fortunately, trusted goalkeeper Abdoulaye Soulama is back from the AFCON to relieve young Seidu Mutawakilu who received the flak for the team’s painful home loss to New Edubiase last Wednesday.
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Apart from Vincent Atinga, Emmanuel Hayford and Tetteh Luggard who are still nursing injuries, Coach Addo will have the luxury of parading a strong squad against the less-fancied Beninois.
With Gilbert Fiamenyo leading the attack as usual, with support services from Kwame Kizito, Shaun October, Ollenu Ashitey, Richard Yamoah, Thomas Abbey, Kofi Abanga, the Phobians can get a good first leg cushioning.
A solid back line of Kweku Andoh, Owusu Bempah, Philip Boampong and Robin Gnagne can ward off any threat from their unknown opponents and provide the needed cover for Soulama.