At long last, it's nearly here –Medeama SC is now just three days away from getting starting their CAF Champions League journey.
As we look ahead to the competition, it's only natural to ponder who might be the key men, the difference-makers, the decisive talents who can secure immortality, and etch their name in the record books for the Ghanaian champions.
While some names are perhaps obvious, others may not be. With that in mind, these are some of the individuals we expect to have a telling impact on the Medeama team...
Felix Kyei (Goalkeeper)
Arguably, one of the best goal custodians in the country, a lot will be expected from the Medeama number one. He is a commanding figure and dominates his box by coming to collect crosses and barking out orders to his defenders.
However, no matter how many fingertip saves he makes, no matter how many shots he smothers, Kyei lives in constant fear of the players ahead of him making a brainless error to cost him his clean sheet.
Insanely efficient at the basics, partial to the odd moment of supernatural heroics and impeccable when distributing the ball, the Mauves and Yellow couldn't have wished for a better goalkeeper.
Johnathan Sowah ( Striker)
Johnathan Sowah is a brute of a human being. He has the physical build and attacking skillset reminiscent of a young Zlatan Ibrahimović.He utilises his body to good effect to pin and disrupt defenders when rumbling around the attacking third. He has a good burst and above-average speed but he is not especially quick; he is more steady and functional.
As a striker, he is a dynamic threat. He can win the ball in the air exceptionally well, heading for goal or trying to hold up play to get others involved. But he can also play off the last man’s shoulder and look for avenues in-behind the defence, or swing wide into the channels to open up space for others.
Sowah is devastating in transition and increasingly adept at helping Medeama break down deep defences. His job is made twice as hard as many defenders will double-up on him to try and keep him quiet, but that only makes the battle more intriguing.
Abdul Fatawu Hamidu (Left-back)
Few left-backs have a more complete skillset than Abdul Fatawu Hamidu, who is fast becoming a favourite among fans of Medeama.
He’s a bundle of seemingly boundless of energy down the left-hand side, providing a deadly end product for Medeama's attack. His recovery pace is exceptional, meaning that he can dig himself out of any trouble he finds himself in.
His stamina means he can hit the same velocity in the first minute right until the last too, as well as allowing him to attack the penalty area at times, knowing he can cover the ground behind him.
A great crosser of the ball, his ability to find team-mates on the run from dead-ball situations makes his distribution arguably his greatest asset. He has a catalogue of different deliveries into the box, utilising his strong technique to whip all kinds of crosses into dangerous areas.
Defensively, his athleticism enables him to cover big spaces in behind the defence, and his physicality is a huge asset in one-on-one duels. All in all, Hamidu is a well-rounded full-back.
Nurudeen Abdulai ( Centre-back)
Medeama's best centre-back for the past two seasons, Abdulai is a composed centre back and boasts an excellent passing range that helps his side overcome any opposing press in their own half. He's also tenacious in his tackling and has even been compared to Sergio Ramos for the similarities in their respective playing styles.
Abdulai is an elite ball winner that leverages his incredible athletic profile into being a nuisance off the ball. He is fast, agile and robust in the challenge as well – the perfect profile to be the most aggressive defender in Medeama's defence that will step out of the defensive line and pressure the ball carrier. Abdulai is a massive roadblock for opposition teams trying to progress the ball.
Derrick Fordjour ( Winger)
Fordjour will want to reserve his best for the competition. Versatility in attack mixed with his unpredictable skillset makes him an asset for the Ghanaian club. His movement, dribbling ability, creativity and finishing skills mean he can be Medeama “ace in the hole” in the attacking areas.
Flair has always been a core part of his game. Known mostly for his undying desire to beat a defender, Fordjour can often be seen using his terrifying combination of lighting pace and trickery to completely overwhelm opponents in a way which they will have never seen before. Blink and you'll miss him. Not only is he a nightmarish dribbler, but Fordjour knows how to rack up goals and assists as well. It's non-stop excitement.
Fordjour's irresistible style makes him a major threat for Medeama and he can carry them well forward in the competition if able to find his groove.
Jean Vital Ourega (Midfielder)
Ourega has the presence and strength to hold his own, with any midfielder this campaign having a real handful to deal with. There is no fear in his play, he is unmoved by the idea of ruffling feathers and that rough and ready style adds an important edge to the Medeama midfield.
It is not the area of physicality where he truly excels, a spatial awareness of exactly where to be and precisely how to manipulate his body and the space around him makes him an intelligent midfielder.
His style of play is graceful, he reads the game beautifully, and his frame only works to enhance his outstanding talent and make him even more impossible to catch with the ball at his feet.
Possessing a not imposing frame for a defensive midfielder, he is blessed with an unusually neat technique for a player of his age, he is regarded as one of the best in his position in the country all while married to a nonchalant action style
Ourega will surely be licking his lips to put up a show on Saturday evening.
