By Simon Asare
Accra, Sept. 11, GNA – Ghana’s representatives in this season’s CAF inter-club competitions face crucial second leg encounters this weekend, with both Medeama SC and Nations FC aiming to overturn first-leg deficits.
In the CAF Champions League, reigning Ghana Premier League champions Medeama SC travel to Lubumbashi on Saturday for a daunting clash against five-time African champions TP Mazembe.
Nations FC host Mali’s FC Diarra in the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday hoping to stage a comeback at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Medeama suffered a painful 1-0 defeat in the first leg at the T&A Park in Tarkwa after conceding a late goal despite dominating large portions of the contest.
Ibrahim Tanko’s side now faces a difficult task in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they must score at least once to revive their chances of progressing.
A one-goal victory for the Mauve and Yellow would force the tie into a penalty shootout, while a win by two clear goals would secure qualification to the next round.
The Tarkwa-based club would be counting on the creativity of Emmanuel Annor and the attacking threat of Abdul Salam, Prince Owusu and Kingsley Braye to unlock Mazembe’s experienced defence.
At the back, Fatawu Sulemana, Etse Dogli and Ebenezer Adade would need to remain disciplined against a side renowned for its strength and experience in continental competitions.
TP Mazembe enter the encounter with a slender advantage and the backing of a formidable home crowd at the Stade TP Mazembe, where they have built a reputation as one of Africa’s toughest teams to beat on home soil.
Meanwhile, Nations FC face a similar challenge in the CAF Confederation Cup after losing 1-0 to FC Diarra in Bamako in their first-ever continental match.
The Abrankese-based club must overturn the deficit when they welcome the Malian side to the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Coach Zdravko Logarusic’s men require at least two unanswered goals to progress after FC Diarra claimed the first-leg advantage through a second-half strike in Bamako.
Nations FC would look to make home advantage count, with a passionate crowd expected to rally behind the MTN FA Cup holders.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Simon Asare
Email: [email protected]