Sports
Can Hearts overturn ASR Bamako deficit?
● Awako – Must make amends tomorrow
The mission somewhat appears impossible but Accra Hearts of Oak must shine against all odds to make history when they face AS Real Bamako from Mali in the CAF Confederations Cup preliminary round second leg encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow.
Following a 3-0 humiliation far away at Bamako last Saturday, Hearts have a herculean task in hand to overturn the deficit and qualify to the next stage of the competition.
With tension gradually brewing within the Hearts camp following the firing to Coach Samuel Boadu and the subsequent defeat in continental football with coach David Ocloo in charge, it seems to be a make-or-break affair for the former African champions.
Despite the defeat in the first leg, Hearts showed some great level of confidence, especially in the second half of the game, but only failed to find the back of the net.
The likes of Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Gladson Awako who were at the end of most of the chances, unfortunately wasted the opportunities to get home with some advantage and make the second leg easier.
They must, however, find their scoring boots in tomorrow’s match as they cannot afford to be wasteful with a 3-0 deficit to overturn.
The likes of Mohammed Alhassan and Dennis Korsah who scored an own goal in the first encounter must put the upset behind and be composed to neutralise threats from the opponent’s attackers.
Most of the players would be looking forward to redeeming their image as they failed to step up during the first leg.
Meanwhile, the Malian team, following their dominance in the first leg, would be beaming with confidence as they step into Ghana’s capital to cause another upset.
With the huge advantage from the first leg, they would go all out to protect their lead and progress to the next stage of the competition.
The team also proved to be solid at the back with physically-intimidating players and would set up to prevent Hearts attackers from finding the back of the net.
It promises to be a very cagey encounter with both teams having all to play for and secure the ultimate prize of qualifying to the next stage of the competition.
BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew says Ghana will leave nothing on the pitch when they face England in today’s World Cup Group L decider at Gillette Stadium.
With both teams on 3 points, Ayew said his job is to ease pressure on the younger players and hold everyone accountable, himself included.
“I’m doing my best to guide the boys, make them comfortable, take pressure off them, and help us perform,” Ayew told reporters. “I have to perform too. They have to perform too. It’s teamwork. We’re helping each other.”
Ghana come into the Foxborough clash after a 1-0 win over Panama in Toronto. England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opener.
The captain’s message was simple, “We’re going to give our 100% and we’re going to fight. I’ll make sure when we come off that pitch, we have no regrets.”
The winner takes control of Group L. Kickoff is 4:00 PM ET at Gillette Stadium.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Black Stars forward Brandon Thomas-Asante insists Ghana will carry no pressure into Tuesday’s World Cup showdown with England at Boston Stadium, saying the team’s self-belief and sense of purpose outweigh outside expectations.
Brandon provided a 95th minute assist that helped Ghana beat Panama 1-0 in Toronto.
The win left both Ghana and England level on three points in Group L following the Three Lions 4-2 over Croatia in their opening match.
Speaking to ghanafa.org Thomas-Asante is adamant that external doubt only fuels the squad.
“Everything to the best ability, it’s very much a case of we back ourselves, we believe in ourselves. Whether people on the outside doubt us, believe us, or anything that’s not what we think about. We think about why we’re here. We’re on a mission,” Thomas-Asante said.
The Coventry City forward said that mission removes any weight of expectation. “That means there’s no pressure. It’s even less pressure for us,” he explained.
“We know our fans believe, but we know that some people might want to overlook us. We use that to our advantage preparing properly and believing that we can go and do something,” He added.
England and Ghana both sit on three points heading into the Foxborough clash, with the winner set to take control of Group L. Kickoff at Boston Stadium on Tuesday.
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