Opinions have been pouring in regarding how Accra Hearts of Oak fared in the match against Cl Kamsar last Sunday. The Phobians advanced to the second preliminary round after defeating the Guinean opponent by two unanswered goals at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Club legend Yaw Amankwaa Mireku expresses concerns about the manner in which the players approached first half of the encounter.
“I think in the first half the players were playing a normal which I think they shouldn’t have done that. They should play above what we saw in the league. The first half was tense and the game opened up in the second half. The opponent was not bad just that Accra Hearts of Oak is an experienced side. The coach’s job was spot on. He did well. I will also praise the players.”He told Angel Sports.
The first half of the match was an open game for both Accra Hearts of Oak and CI Kamsar. The first half was bereft of clear-cut chances due to how tight both teams were, particularly the visitors ensuring they close spaces to avoid an avalanche of goals. The Guinean club had a strategy of frustrating the Ghanaian representative which worked for them in the first half. CI Kamsar mounted an indestructible fence from the centerline, cutting supply from Frederick Ansah Botchway and Emmanuel Nettey. They deployed men behind the ball which demanded a well-thought-out approach to unlock it.
In the second preliminary match, Accra Hearts of Oak will host Moroccan team Wydad Athletic Casablanca, WAC, in the first leg, before traveling to Morocco for the reverse fixture. “The higher you go the difficult it becomes”, says Yaw Amankwaa Mireku.
“Against WAC is all about hard work. That is the most important thing. The higher you go the difficult it becomes. The task is not over. They can use what the 2000 squad did as a target.”
The coming task rests on the shoulders of both players and the coach. Obviously both departments will be required to come out with their best to be able to make it into the group stage of CAF Champions League.
“For the rest of the job, I think 30 percent will have to be taken care by the coach and 70 percent to be taken care by players. Majority of the work depends on the players.” Yaw Amankwaa Mireku explained.
Accra Hearts of Oak can only make it to the group stage if they are able to see off their opponent. History between North African clubs and Ghanaian clubs gives a mixed feeling about this fixture.
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