FC Samartex and Togo champions ASKO de Kara played out a disappointing 0-0 draw in a game of few chances on Sunday, in what was the warm-up match for both sides before they go into their CAF Champions League games this weekend,
Nurudeen Amadu's Samartex go into the tournament as Ghanaian champions, and it will be their maiden appearance, this draw with ASKO de Kara has boosted the confidence of their head coach, and fans.
"It was a preparatory game for both teams. It was our first time playing outside Ghana. We are taking on Victoria United in an away fixture and I believe the friendly against ASKO de Kara is a good exercise for us. We’ve seen a lot of positives and negatives so going forward we have to correct our mistakes before the commencement of the prelims," Amadu said.
"The mentality was to score and not concede. Unfortunately, we were not able to score but we did not concede, which is positive."
The opening half ended with neither side rattling the post, although both side's created goal-scoring opportunities on the stroke of halftime at the Stade De Kegue in Lomé, Togo.
After the break there was little improvement. The lack of precision from both teams brought few real chances and little to cheer the home fans.
The Timber Giants will be making their first appearance in the CAF Champions League. The will face Cameroonian side Victoria United in the preliminary round of the inter-club competition, which has been scheduled for August 18 and 25, 2024.
The winner of the tie will forge ahead to the second preliminary round where they are likely to face Morocco's Raja Club Athletic for a place in the group stages
By: Pascal Amoah
