Ashanti Gold SC will be hoping to progress in the 2019/20 Caf Confederation Cup when they host Equatoguinean side Akonangui Fútbol Club in a preliminary round second leg fixture Saturday.
The Miners secured an impressive 1-1 draw away in the first leg fortnight ago in Ebébiyin. This means that the Obuasi-based side hold a nice advantage as a barren draw or any form of win sees them through.
Coach Ricardo da Rocha will be happy following the return of injured duo – Amos Nkrumah and Appiah McCarthy. The two midfielders missed the first match through injuries. Their availability will give the Brazilian tactician many options in midfield for the crucial tie.
The Miners have been solid at home and would be hoping to add Akonangui to their victims at the Len Clay Stadium. The last time they lost at the Len Clay was a 1-0 defeat to Karela United in the Normalization Special Cup competition.
Osei Agyemang, who scored AshantiGold’s goal in the first leg, has recovered from the injury he sustained and is expected to start with goalkeeper Frank Boateng likely to man the posts.
Da Rocha has indicated that his charges are focused on eliminating their counterparts from the competition, noting that they have improved after the first encounter.
“I’ve seen an improvement in my team after today’s game [friendly against lower-tier side Desire Academy]. We’re more focused on the game against Akonangui. All we want is a win for our supporters and Ghanaians,” the AshantiGold said.
Akonangui FC, on the other hand, would be looking to upset the hosts on the day. Coach Pepe de la Sagra’s outfit is expected to sit back and rely on counter-attacks.
Only a win or score draw higher than 1-1 will ensure that the visitors advance to the next stage of the competition.
There are no reported injuries at the camp of the visitors. And, therefore Pepe has his team intact.
Kickoff is at 15:00 GMT.
Match officials
Referee: Abdoulaye Rhisa Almustapha (Niger)
Assistant 1: Sadissou Idi (Niger)
Assistant 2: Salissou Bachir (Niger)
4th official: Moussa Ahamadou (Niger)
Match Commissioner: Sanusi Mohammed (Nigeria)
#CafCC – Prelims 2nd Leg (Agg: 1-1):
⚽️ AshantiGold v Akonangui
🗓 24th August
🏟 Len Clay Stadium (Obuasi)
🎫 Popular Stand – 10, Center Line – 15, Wings – 20, VIP – 30#FootyGhana pic.twitter.com/b9A51bemgt— Footy-Ghana.com 🇬🇭 (@FootyGhana) August 23, 2019
