Samartex coach Nurudeen Amadu has spoken about the team's upcoming CAF Champions League preliminary round encounter against Cameroonian champions, Victoria United FC.
The Ghanaian giants, who won their first-ever Ghana Premier League title last season, will face Victoria United in the two-legged tie, with the first leg scheduled to take place on August 18, 2024 at the Omnisport Stadium in Cameroon. The return fixture is set to take place on August 25, 2024 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Speaking ahead of the game, Amadu acknowledged that both teams are debutants in the competition and will be looking to rub shoulders with each other. He praised Victoria United's style of play, noting that they possess the ball and play from the back.
"Fortunately for both teams, we are all debutants so we are going to rub shoulders with each other. Watching their games, you could see that they are a good side. They try to possess the ball and play from the back," Amadu said.
While acknowledging that Victoria United's physicality is a concern, Amadu expressed confidence that his team will be able to manage them. "Gone are the days when we used to know Cameroon players to be physical but now, they are playing good football. We have started to at least adopt some strategies for the game. We have three weeks before the game so I think that we should be able to manage them."
The winner of the tie will progress to the second preliminary round, where they will face Moroccan giants Raja Club Athletic for a place in the group stages. Samartex are eager to make a mark in their maiden CAF Champions League campaign and are preparing diligently for the challenge ahead.
