Hearts of Oak will look to stage a huge comeback today when they host Malian side Real Bamako in a herculean clash this afternoon at the Ohene Gyan Stadium, in the 2nd leg of the second preliminary round of the 2022/23 CAF Confederations Cup.
Whiles ASR Bamako will look to preserve their first leg sensation to cruise into the final round, the Phobians will also play their hearts out to pull a fightback with the stakes feeling very different this time around.
The Scorpions destroyed Hearts of Oak by an emphatic 3-0 in the first leg last Saturday in Bamako- an appaling display which sparked a huge furore back home in Ghana.
Ibourahima Sidibe opened the scoring account for the Malians, Dennis Korsah scored an unfortunate own goal all in the first half, before Cheickna Diakite netted a beauty to seal the victory after flouring down two Hearts defenders to plot at the back of the net.
The 2004 conquerors of the competition, after the dismal display, returned into the country the following day and have been in serious preparations throughout the week hoping for a huge scoreline tomorrow.
Goals from marksman Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, Gideon Asante, veteran Samuel Inkoom, skipper Fatawu Mohammed, coupled with Isaac Mensah's brace propelled them to marmalize lower division side Gap Soccer Academy by an emphatic 6-0 in a warm up friendly last Wednesday at Pobiman.
TEAM NEWS
Coach David Ocloo has dropped Daniel Kodie, goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi and Central African international Yassan Ouatching from his 20 man squad for this game. He's also assured the Hearts of Oak fans of nothing but qualification.
"This is a no-match. I can confidently say we can turn this around. We played well. We created a lot of chances but no clinical. We are going to right the wrongs. They are beatable."
Eric Esso still out and the pleasant news is that, Isaac Mensah and mercurial midfielder Ibrahim Salifu have all returned and will be available for selection.
PROBABLE XI
Richard Attah, Fatawu Mohammed (C), Konadu Yiadom, Mohammed Alhassan, Ibrahim Salifu, Gladson Awako, Suraj Seidu, Kwadwo Obeng Junior, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Junior Kaaba
CHANNEL
GTVSPORTS+, StarTimes, Kickgh.com
KICKOFF
1500GMT (3:00pm)
