Kotoko set to triumph in African Cup

The rebirth of Ghanaian club Asante Kotoko as an international force should continue on Sunday when they host Enugu Rangers of Nigeria in the African Confederation Cup.

After winning the Champions League (formerly Cup) twice, the 'Porcupines Warriors' from the sprawling central city of Kumasi hit a slump in the mid-1980s and have not lifted an African trophy since.

And as Kotoko faded from the radar screen, bitter Accra-based domestic rivals Hearts of Oak grew stronger and crowned continuous progress with a surprise success in the 2000 Champions League.

But the tide turned again last year as Asante won the national league only to be eliminated in the second round of the Champions League, losing a penalty shootout against USMA of Algeria three months ago.

The merger of the African Cup Winners and CAF Cup competitions this year into the African Confederation Cup was modelled on the UEFA Cup and gave a second chance to losers in the final qualifying round of the Champions League.

Kotoko took it, defeating Wydad Casablanca of Morocco 2-0 at home and a late Shilla Alhassan goal in North Africa secured a 1-1 draw, 62,500 dollars, and a passport to the eight-club mini-league phase.

The pool draw placed the 'Porcupines' in Group A with 1977 Cup Winners Cup holders Enugu, and regular African campaigners Petro Atletico of Angola and Al-Hilal of Sudan.

Hearts of Oak are also challenging for glory, raising the possibility of an all-Ghana final. Cotonsport Garoua of Cameroon, Santos of South Africa and Sable Batie of Cameroon or Orlando Pirates of South Africa complete Group B.

Form and tradition suggest Kotoko and Enugu will battle for first place in their pool with Petro and Hilal, who clash at the Citadela Stadium in Luanda Sunday, dangerous outsiders.

Hearts and Cotonsport appear the pick of the Group B contenders with Cape Town club Santos dark horses after a series of impressive results en route to the mini-league stage.

Enugu are sure to give Kotoko midfielder Charles Taylor special attention as he created both goals in the home triumph over Wydad and is an experienced African performer.

Nana Arhin Duah struck the second goal and is another footballer used to the demands of international football, and the hard, bumpy surface of the Kumasi Sports Stadium.

Rangers have not proven successful travellers in previous rounds, losing to Al-Nasr of Libya and APR of Rwanda and drawing with Etoile of Guinea while firing three blanks.

Petro caused the shock of the final qualifying round, beating Moroccan military club FAR Rabat 1-0 away thanks to a Flavio Amado goal just before half-time after a goalless first leg.

Hilal were indebted to goalkeeper Abdalla al-Muz, who made several superb saves as the Sudanese edged Liberty Professionals of Ghana in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 aggregate stalemate.

Despite the loss of German coach Ernst Middendorp and goalkeeper Sammy Adjei, who has joined Tunisian outfit Club Africain, Hearts should prove too strong for spirited but limited Santos at the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow.