Fosa Juniors, an opportunity for Aduana Stars’ continental ambition

After handing Fosa Juniors of Madagascar a 6-1 drubbing in the Caf Confederation Cup first leg playoff in Ghana, nothing seems to stand on the way of Aduana Stars towards the coveted group stage of the competition.

Everybody can feel the excitement of the team and their fans ahead of the return leg slated for Wednesday. Coach Yussif Abubakar is hoping to claim his first away victory in a continental meeting.

Aduana looked the better side when they faced off against each other a week ago in Dormaa Ahenkro, where the Ghanaian champions are based. Home advantage wouldn’t make Fosa Juniors a stronger team, capable of overturning a five-goal margin, in the absence of miracles.

Aduana already have a foot in the next round of the competition and will likely commence life proper in Africa after Friday’s draw.

However, that comes with a number of responsibilities alongside an improved pedigree and the experience they need to fetch and foster against future continental campaigns.

Surmounting Fosa Juniors is only a step forward in the journey, but might not be a giant step though, considering the quality of the team. Aduana will have their real test in the group stage, where they will rub elbows with other demoted Caf Champions Leagues teams and veterans of the Confed Cup.

That is where their learning curve in Africa begins in earnest. The mini-league format of the group stage is a perfect platform for any club to show quality and character, in winning matches or overturning unfavourable outcomes across six matchdays. No excuse!

Even if they are not eyeing the ultimate this term, Aduana need to stamp their name in the competition and let others know they are a team that have wings to fly and could fly higher next time.

Also, they would be doing favour to Ghana, by helping to improve slots allocated to clubs from the country. Only one slot is currently allowed.

And back home, Aduana’s exposure from the Caf Confed should have a positive impact on their campaign in the topflight.

If they must have another bite of a continental race they ought to strive to defend the Ghana Premier League title or finish around top of the log to qualify for Africa.