Coaches Schimdt and Attuquayefio still hopeful

Accra, Jan. 2, GNA - Head coaches of Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak sporting clubs are optimistic about their chances ahead of the Confederations Cup decider billed for the Kumasi Sports stadium next Sunday.

Both teams settled for a one all drawn game when they locked horns at the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra on Sunday.


Whilst Hans Dieter Schimdt of Kotoko considers the 60th minute goal scored by Michael Osei as a vital one which has further enhanced their chances of lifting the maiden trophy, Sir Cecil Jones Attuquayefio of Heart believes and takes solace in the popular Phobian slogan of "Its not over until its all over" despite the unpleasant result.


Speaking to the GNA Sports, Coach Schimdt expressed satisfaction with the results declaring that the trophy was already theirs for taken. "We have scored a vital goal after playing an excellent game and with this result, I don't think Hearts will survive in the second leg" The German said.


"If someone told me before the game that we could pick a point in the Accra match, I would not have believed it and once we have made it, only a miracle can save Hearts in Kumasi".


He was convinced that the team would record an overwhelming victory against the Phobians who were lucky to restore their hopes of causing a possible stair in the return leg with a late strike from sensational Louis Agyemang.

Coach Schimdt was however not impressed with the performance of the referee claiming most of the fifty- fifty balls were awarded to Hearts. For coach Attuquayefio, the real battle will be in Kumasi, whilst insisting that the home supremacy tag no more counts in soccer.


Though he was very impressed with the implementation of his tactics on the field, he underscored the need to effect some relevant corrections capable of snatching victory from the jaws of the "Porcupine Warriors" at the Garden City.


"I need to strengthen my midfield and make my strikers look sharper and swifter before the second leg and this would rank high on my priority list in the next few days", he added.


The coach told the GNA Sports that his team have equal chances as Kotoko in the next leg and called on supporters of the Phobian fraternity to keep their hope alive for the battle in Kumasi.