The Phobians are faced with an arduous task of eliminating Malian outfit AS Real Bamako to guarantee their place in the final phase of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.
But that is easier said than done against a Real Bamako side that will be coming into this game as hosts and having edged out Burkina Faso AS Douanes in the first round.
And Kickgh.com's Godfred Budu has had a look at one key player of the Malian side who is capable of breaking the hearts of many a Phobian faithful on Saturday.
Moussa Kone is a 31-year-old Malian attacker who the Scorpions will be counting on to bang in the goals on Saturday. Having previously played for clubs like MAS Fes, Al-Orouba SC, Stade Malien thus bring to bear an accumulated wealth of experience and expertise in the sport.
When in possession, Moussa Kone has that tremendous gift of being able to travel with the ball whilst at the same time keeping it under his complete control and shielding it away from his opponent.
The way he links play between midfield and attack is a joy to watch- easy on the eye! He has everything: he’s good on the ball, he scores goals and he helps the team.
His quick movements are crucial in ‘killing’ the opposition defenders. You just have to give him a metre of space and he’ll hurt you. With his pace and the ability to go past defenders with effortless ease, he’s a hugely challenging proposition for any defender to handle in a 1v1 situation.
His movement is another highlight of his, using this to surge in behind with superbly timed runs, find space infield or be instrumental in creating overloads. But it is not just Kone’s technique that poses such a threat.
He is strong on the ball and Hearts’ best option may be to force him out wide, where on occasion he can be marginalised. Given that, the striker, Moussa Kone thrives on balls from the wings, Ocloo may have to tinker with his formation in order that there’s no drop-off from the usual supply lines.
Kone has made 12 appearances for Mali’s CHAN team and has netted 4 times. He played an integral role in Mali’s qualification to the CHAN tournament in Cameroon in 2020 and also appeared six times for Stade Malien scoring two in the CAF Champions League.
Hearts’ rearguard on the day must play above themselves and isolate the Malian striker to keep the dreams of advancing to the next stage alive.
Should they fail in that regard, Moussa Kone may be the man to shatter their dreams.
By: Godfred Budu
