Samartex, Nsoatreman cautious ahead of 2nd leg CAF ties

Emmanuel Mamah- Samartex FC

Ghana’s CAF continental club competition campaigners, Samartex FC and Nsoatreman FC, will look to finish off a successful first test in the first round of the preliminary stage of the Champions League and the Confederations Cup competitions this weekend when they take on their respective opponents.

Premier League champions, Samartex FC, will face Victoria United today in a second leg clash after earning a vital 1-0 away victory last week at the Douala Japoma Stadium in Cameroon.

FA Cup winners, Nsoatreman FC,also trounced visiting 10-man,Elect-Sports FC, from Chad 3-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Ghanaians expect to see both clubs sail through to the next round, but the coaches of the two sides are cautious.

For Samartex FC Head Coach, Nurudeen Amadu, tomorrow’s game will be approached as if there was no first-leg victory.

The winner of the tie will face either AS GardeNationaleNigérienne (AS GNN) of Niger or Raja Club Athletic in the second round in September. Raja Club Athletic take a 2-1 lead into the second leg this weekend in Morocco.

In faraway Cameroon today, Nsoatreman will aim to protect their 3-0 lead when they play as guests of Elect-Sports.

The coach of the side, Yaw Preko, has described the game as a very crucial one.

Coach Preko believes the game would be tough, judging by the standards Elect-Sports showed in the second half even with a man down.

The winner of the tie would face the winner of the CS Constantine of Algeria versus Police FC of Rwanda game. CS Constantine carry a 2-0 advantage into the second leg this weekend in Rwanda.

 BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY