Sports
Hearts will clear Wydad hurdle-Coach Boadu
Head Coach of Accra Hearts of Oak, Samuel Boadu, has called on the club’s teeming supporters to have belief in the team’s ability to qualify to the league stage of the CAF Champions League competition.
Coach Boadu said it was too early to give up hope on qualification because of the slim win recorded in the first leg encounter on home soil.
Hearts put up a spirited performance on Sunday against North Africa opposition,Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco but churned out 1-0 win over the 2019 winners.
That appears to have forced a section of fans to throw hands in despair, knowing how unfriendly the North African terrain, especially in circumstances of this nature, can be.
But reacting in a post-match presser,Coach Boadu expressed the belief that although the score-line was not what they envisaged, they have what it takes to qualify in faraway Morocco this weekend.
“Our supporters should not give up. We should be guided by our’Never Say Die’ motto. That must spur us on as we move to that dangerous territory. Others might have gone there and not survive but this is Hearts of Oak. We have the men to do this job.”
According to him, a few of his players played with injuries, which also did not help their course.
“Raddy Ovouka’s substitution was as a result of some earlier pains he had, and his withdrawal, coupled with injuries to Caleb Amankwah, Emmanuel Nettey, Ibrahim Salifu among others, affected our play.”
According to him, they have a few days to work on the fitness of these players and hoped thatthe team doctors and physiotherapists work hard to get them fit for the Casablanca tie.
He said having watched the Moroccans,Hearts have an idea about the opposition, and would pick the positives from the game and build upon it ahead of Sunday’s fixture to be played at the King Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
Abdul Karim Zito Kabutey has resigned from his position as head coach of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club with immediate effect.
The club’s management confirmed the development and announced that it has accepted his resignation.
Management expressed appreciation for his service to the club and wished him well in his future endeavours.
In a brief statement, the club did not give reasons for the decision but assured supporters that steps are being taken to ensure continuity.
Asante Kotoko indicated that details about the new technical direction of the club, including coaching arrangements, will be communicated in due course.
The resignation comes as the club continues its campaign in domestic competitions, with management expected to outline the next steps in the coming days.
By: Jacob Aggrey
KUMASI – Asante Kotoko will welcome Aduana FC in a crunch 1/16th stage clash of the MTN FA Cup competition tomorrow at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium as the Ghana Premier League (GPL) takes a short break.
Without doubt, it climaxes this round of fixtures of the competition and will see both clubs fighting it hard to grab quarter final tickets.
For fans of the Porcupine Warriors, the timing of the clash is not favourable as it represents a difficult period when the club is struggling to keep pace with the leaders in the GPL.
The statistics clearly explain the mood among the Reds fans.
The Porcupine Warriors have won only two matches in their last six games, that is, against Bechem United and Basake Holy Stars.
But against Swedru All Blacks and Kpando Heart of Lions, they lost in miserable fashion and secured draws with Berekum Chelsea and Bibiani Gold Stars.
This has affected morale in camp. Coming against Aduana FC, it will not be an easy mountain to climb as the Dormaa lads enjoy a clean ride in the GPL.
Kotoko and Aduana drew 1-1 in their last league encounter which produced a lot of thrills.
The return of top striker Albert Amoah to the fold and scoring on his return got their fans celebrating and anticipated a smooth run, only to be pegged back by the Lions from Kpando.
Aduana FC at their best can ‘harm’ any opposition. Against the Porcupine Warriors tomorrow, they would have to be at their best to stand a chance against the wounded Porcupines.
At the Tuba Astro turf, Dreams FC would engage Inter Allies in another encounter expected to be full of thrills.
Inter Allies’ Technical Director, Willie Klutse, says his team has what it takes to upset the apple-cart, knowing Dreams FC’s struggles in the ongoing season.
Berekum Chelsea would also come face-to-face with Tamale City who are enjoying a great run in the Division One League (DOL).
Elsewhere, Nations FC will take on Swedru All Blacks when league leaders, Medeama SC, will host FC Samartex 1996 at the T&A Park today.
By Andrew Nortey
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