Ibrahim Tanko wishes Partey, Asamoah well in Champions League

Ghana assistant coach Ibrahim Tanko has tipped Thomas Partey’s Atletico Madrid and Kwadwo Asamoah’s Inter Milan for success as the Uefa Champions League group stage gets underway on Tuesday.

The duo are among six Ghanaians expected to grace the sacred stage of the prestigious European inter-club championship this term. TSG Hoffenheim’s Kasim Nuhu Adams, Schalke 04’s Baba Rahman and Red Star Belgrade duo of Richmond Boakye-Yiadom and Rashid Sumaila are the others.

Asamoah’s Inter open their campaign in Group B against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, before taking on PSV Eindhoven of the Netherlands and Barcelona.

“I think Inter have a very good chance, having brought in some experienced players like Raja Nainggolan and him [Asamoah],” Tanko told Goal.

“Kwadwo played for Juventus for so many years and we all know his performance there and the trophies he won with them.

“With Barcelona and Tottenham in this group, it’s going to be tough. Even PSV cannot be underrated.

“But I hope that Asamoah and his new team go through. He has to use his experience to fight to help the team into the next round.”

Partey’s Atletico kick off their Group A series against French side Monaco on Tuesday, before games against Belgian outfit Club Brugge and German club Borussia Dortmund.

“I believe Atletico’s coach is one of the best coaches that we have, and his players play for him,” Tanko said.

“When you watch their games, you can see that the players like their coach and they play to his tactics.

“They have a very good side, are disciplined and very hard to beat. They have Partey. I think they will get far. I tip Dortmund and them to go to the next round from the group.”

Tanko, a former Dortmund star, is one of only five Ghanaians to have won the Champions League title.