GhanaFA

Reds hopeful of a win

15 years ago
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Asante Kotoko would seeking to overcome their opening group defeat in the Confederations Cup competition when they host El-Merreikh on Sunday.

The Porcupine Warriors lost to Etoile du Sahel in Sousse must win to keep alive their dream of progressing.

Team coach Bashir Hayford, aware of the high stakes has told his players of the need to win this crucial game at their favourite Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi to put them straight back into contention of a semi-final place.

“It is our second game in the group and after losing the first one, it is prudent we win Sunday’s match so as to boost our confidence and as well put us in a better position in the league,” he said.

Despite the club and Hayford in particular coming under heavy criticism their midweek loss to Liberty Professionals in the off season Top 4 competition, the coach argues that the Confederations Cup match is the priority and expects his team to live up to expectation.

Kotoko’s miserable away record means home games like this one are fundamentally crucial.

“We hope to improve tremendously on Sunday since that is the only option available to us,” Hayford said.

Kotoko possess a good record at home in continental competition and will be supremely confident against El- Merreikh, last year's beaten finalist in the Confederation Cup who would be hoping to go a step further.