Asante Kotoko Communications Director, Sarfo Duku, has downplayed the reputation of Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club, insisting they were “overhyped” ahead of last Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round clash in Kumasi.
Wydad narrowly edged Kotoko 1-0 in the first leg at the Baba Yara Stadium, but Duku maintains that the Ghanaian side outplayed their opponents, especially in the second half.
Speaking to Luv FM, Duku said Kotoko’s players were confident despite the loss and saw little difference between the two clubs.
“Before the game, the Moroccans were overhyped. I didn’t see much difference between the two sides. In fact, Kotoko even played better in the second half. If we had taken that glorious chance in the first half, the story would have been different,” he stated.
Kotoko were reduced to ten men in the second half after their goalkeeper was sent off for handling the ball outside the penalty area while trailing by a goal to nil. Despite the setback, Duku praised the team’s resilience and believes the players remain optimistic ahead of the return leg in Casablanca.
“The players know that the Moroccans are just being overhyped. They can play with them. That mentality will drive them in the second leg. We did it in Nigeria, and they believe they can still do it. The players haven’t lost hope at all,” he added.
The Porcupine Warriors, who eliminated Kwara United in the previous round with back-to-back victories, will face Wydad again on Friday in Casablanca. Kotoko must overturn the 1-0 deficit to progress to the group stage of the competition.
