Hearts of Oak travel to Mali for the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round against AS Real Bamako, in what is arguably their most challenging fixture thus far.
The Malians will host David Johnson Ocloo’s side at the Stade Modibo Keita and here are five crucial tips for the Hearts’ manager ahead of a game he cannot lose.
Improve the Mentality of the Players
Currently, Hearts seem to be mentally fragile away from home, seeming to struggle to deal with adversity when are not surrounded by their own fans. This was shown in recent away trips to Aduana Stars and Kotoko.
Opposition teams currently know that this Hearts team struggles to deal with pressure away from home and this is something that Ocloo must address through his coaching.
Play With Much More Width Than Against AS Real Bamako
Hearts’ ineffectiveness against Kotoko resulted from a frustrating narrowness going forward. Hearts most talented players are all down the spine of the team from Ayi to Kaaba, but Asubonteng has shown promise and the ability to beat men for pace.
As soon as he came on against the Porcupine Warriors, the game was changed. Hearts must unleash him down the flank and allow him to find Junior Kaaba with a few searching crosses.
Establish a Settled Defence
It's been their achilles heel for quite some time now, but Hearts have been found out defensively on numerous occasions this season.
On Saturday, Hearts should take note of this and make sure that their heads stay up all the way through the 90 at the Stade Modibo Keita. Ocloo has to instill the 'never say die' belief into his team to get a favourable result.
Finish Their Chances
Hearts do not often have a problem with creating opportunities to score. However, the need to be more clinical in front of goal is a problem they suffer from.
With the attacking flair the Phobians currently possess they are capable of converting their chances. This is needed to reflect their dominance throughout the game and put the result beyond doubt.
Midfield Must Contribute on the Scoresheet
With a seemingly balanced and diverse midfield which posses: creativity, pace, physicality and energy, they lack the goals needed to support their strike brigade.
Top sides pose a threat from all parts of the ground but this campaign has seen goals hard to come by for any midfield player in their squad. If they are to win on Saturday, the midfield need to pose a continuous threat to the Malians and find their way onto the score-sheet.
