CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: Hearts of Oak aims for win

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (October 12) - Hearts of Oak should take a significant step this weekend towards becoming the first African Champions League winners from Ghana since Asante Kotoko 17 years ago.

The Accra club holds a five-point advantage over pre-competition favorites Al-Ahly of Egypt in Group 2 and has home advantage against Lobi Stars, an outfit it ultimately outclassed in Nigeria two months ago.

After soaking up constant but predictable Lobi pressure, Hearts twice hit on the break during the second half through leading scorer Emmanuel Kuffour and Ishmael Addo.

Champions League runners-up in 1977 and 1979, Hearts is seeking a fourth consecutive mini-league win that would leave it needing two points from two matches to clinch a final berth.

It could even be all over by Sunday night if Hearts triumph and two-time champions Al-Ahly fail to overcome surprise stragglers Jeanne d'Arc of Senegal in Cairo.

The key factor in a pool that was expected to be much tighter has been away form. Hearts won in Senegal and Nigeria while Al-Ahly lost in Ghana and were held in Senegal.

Group 1 is considerably more intriguing with hot favorites Esperance of Tunisia being pushed by Sundowns of South Africa while 1999 Cup Winners' Cup holders Africa Sports of Ivory Coast is also in contention.

Sundowns, which trails Esperance on goal difference after losing a five-goal thriller in Tunis, entertain the leaders knowing only a win will give it a realistic chance of becoming the second finalists from South Africa.

Known as "the Brazilians" because its colors and style of play match the South American maestros, Sundowns must shackle a young striker from Brazil if it hopes to succeed.

Reinaldo da Silva tormented the South Africans two months ago with nimble footwork and his equalizer set up a thrilling climax in which defender Radhi Jaidi headed the winner.

Africa Sports boast the leading Champions League scorers in Niger teenager Issoufou 'Dante' Alhassane and Fadel Keita and it would be a shock if they failed to secure maximum points when Sable Batie of Cameroon visit Abidjan.

Each club plays its three opponents at home and away with the group winners qualifying for a two-leg showdown that carries the additional prize of a place in the 2001 world club championship to be hosted by Spain.