Ato Ahwoi forecasts Hearts' glory

Accra, May 8, GNA - Ato Ahwoi, former Board Chairman of Accra Hearts of Oak, has predicted another continental glory for the team, following its qualification to the group stage of the MTN Champions League.

Hearts on Sunday ditched Tunisians Etoile Sportive de Sahel 6-5 on penalties in Sousse, Tunisia, to qualify to the next stage of the competition - their first since ruling Africa in the New Millennium. "We are heading straight to the finals after scaling this hurdle many termed as insurmountable. Just expect the trophy in Ghana by the close of the year (when the curtain of the competition is brought down)", the former cklub chairman told GNA Sports.


He was buoyant the Phobians who caved in to the host's pressure in the 87th minute to concede the goal that cancelled their slender lead in Obuasi a fortnight, ago have what it takes to lift the Championship again.


"We don't talk much knowing our capabilities. I can only assure people to expect us to do the nation proud again".


Hearts held on to a lone victory granted them through striker Reuben Senyo in the first leg played at Obuasi until conceding that late goal which ushered in the lottery of penalties.


Though Stanley Afedzie and eventual hero, goalkeeper Laud Quartey missed their kicks, the Phobians broke the unpleasant jinx that ensured Sahel eliminated them at the same stage two seasons ago by converting six of the kicks with the Tunisians miss-kicking three. Ato Ahwoi is convinced the team can effectively ride high on hard work, experience and their fine team spirit to reach the desired destination.

"Our never say die motto is something that will continue to inspire us to keep fighting even when the bookmakers claim otherwise".


Hearts in 2000 emerged the only Ghanaian club to have won the new championship introduced in the 1997.


They won the Super Cup as well in the same year.


Four years on, the "Rainbows" became winners of the maiden Confederations Cup, which replaced the Cup Winners Cup after defeating Kumasi Asante Kotoko through penalties in the final game at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.