The first meeting between two former winners of the competition promises to be an exciting first leg game in Ghana before wrapping up the tie a week later in Morocco.
It’s one time CAF Champions League winners, Hearts of Oak against two times competition champions, Wydad Atletic Club (WAC) going head-to-head in the second preliminary round of the CAF first-tier inter-club competition with a group stage spot at stake.
The Phobians play host to the Moroccans at the Accra Sports Stadium today in what is anticipated to be a keenly contested match of a dicey tie.
Hearts of Oak in the first preliminary round defeated Guinean side Club Industriel de Kamsar 2-0 in a one-legged fixture in Accra.
The Ghana Premier League(GPL) champions who made a long return to an African inter-club football since 2015 shook off a nervy start to edge out Kamsar- made just a second test of the competition with a scintillating second-half performance where they got the two goals.
Today, they play last season semi-finalists who was one of the seeded clubs for the draw at the start of CAF’s flagship club showpiece.
Hearts of Oak since beating Kamsar have won two friendlies with a combined 10-2 scoreline, victories over lower-tier sides Banana In FC and Dzifa FC.
Unlike the GPL, 2021/2022 Moroccan Botola Pro has commenced with WAC looking to defend their title. Their numbers thus far are four wins and a draw in the first five games, keeping four clean sheets. It is definitely Impressive.
The Red and Whites are apparent favourites to seal through given their outstanding success in the last six seasons. One quarterfinal appearance, three semi-finals appearances, and two final appearances. Won the competition in 2017 and the CAF Super Cup in 2018.
Nonetheless, a visit to Ghana always gives WAC nightmares as they have yet to record a draw let alone win any of their last 5 away games against Ghanaian oppositions, scoring just a goal in those.
Hence, Hearts have got a respectable record to protect.
Team News
Hearts of Oak
The Rainbow team does not have any major injury concerns. Midfielder Emmanuel Nettey after resuming training this week passed a late fitness test to be part of the match squad.
Meanwhile, star signing Gladson Awako is not part of the team after been excused by the club last month to deal with personal issues.
Wydad Athletic Club
The North Africans will be without their head coach Walid Regragui who tested positive for COVID-19 before the team’s trip to Ghana.
Moreover, six players are also not available for the match due to injury, which includes Soufiane Kakarch, Reda Jaadi, Abdellah Hammoud, Taha Mourid, Salaheddine Benyachou, and Amine Aboulfath.
Kick-off: 3 PM Ghana time, 15:00 GMT
Where to Watch: live on GTV Sports Plus
Prediction: Hearts of Oak 2-0 Wydad Athletic Club
