Francis Cofie warns Hearts over Esperance threat

Ghanaian winger Francis Coffie says a massive home result is key to Hearts of Oak’s progression in the CAF Confederation Cup against Esperance.

The Phobians will be facing the Tunisian giants in a two-legged contest for a place in the group stage of Africa’s second tier club competition.

Hearts have enjoyed a jolly ride so far in their African campaign, but have their work now cut out as they come up against one of Africa’s strongest club sides in Esperance.

Coffie, who helped Sudanese club El Merreikh to dump the Tunisian giants out of the Champions League, has provided some solutions to the herculean task before the Phobians.

“The match against Esperance I must admit will not be easy for Hearts,” he told Happy FM.

“But then the key for Hearts is to ensure they secure a good result at home because playing Esperance away from home is not an easy task.

“They [Hearts] should ensure that they prevent them [Esperance] from scoring in Ghana and win with a margin of at least two goals.

“The atmosphere they generate in their home stadium in Tunisia is more than enough to give them a home result so Hearts must be very wary of that.”

Hearts will be away to Esperance in the first leg of the tie expected on the weekend of 15-17 May.

The game is a repeat of the 2000 CAF Champions League final where Hearts reigned supreme by winning both legs to clinch their first and only African title.