Asante Kotoko head coach Mas-Ud Dramani believes with the result achieved away to Algeria’s JSM Bejaia in the CAF Champions League round of 16 last Friday night, qualification for the next stage of Africa’s flagship club football competition will not escape his side after the reverse fixture at home come April 7.
The-two time African champions who have returned to the competition after a 4-year absence managed to draw goalless in the harsh conditions of Bejaia and will need any kind of win back at home in a fortnight to progress in the competition and their coach Didi Dramani is confident the hardest aspect of the two-legged tie has been accomplished.
“Mission accomplished! We came to Bejaia to take at least the point from the tie. We tried to do more, but it was difficult against a team as Bejaia who displayed great determination. So we made sure to be compact behind and wait for opportunities to score on counter breaks. The draw is precious and what I saw from our opponents today, victory and qualification will not escape us in Kumasi,” Didi said in a post-match interview.
Asante Kotoko chief, Dr. Kofi Kodua Sarpong has congratulated his side for the hard fought result.
“I congratulate the boys, the coach and his technical team on this feat. I would have preferred a score draw but they have done a very good job. We now have to turn our attention to the load of games ahead of us when the team returns on Monday before beating the Algerians come April 7.”
Asante Kotoko returns to Ghana this afternoon and will move straight to camp to begin preparations to clear their outstanding league and FA cup matches ahead of the crucial second leg.
