Harrison Afful
Accra Hearts of Oak come face to face with Harrison Afful’s Esperance for the ticket to the Group Stage of the CAF Confederations Cup on the weekend of May 15 to 17.
Esperance, the Tunisian giants, dropped at the final stage of the Champions League to join the Phobians, a side that denied them the continent’s most prized silverware in 2000.
It will be the Ghanaians’ sternest test in the campaign after brushing aside Benin’s AS Police, Olympique de Ngor of Senegal and recently Mali’s Djoliba.
Certainly, it will be a great homecoming for the former Asante Kotoko left back, who has revealed that he will approach the fixture on professional grounds.
He said in an interview, “Indeed it will be a great moment playing before home fans who will not support me. But I can understand, so will I also act professionally.
“It’s my work and I will not sacrifice it on patriotic grounds. I am looking forward to that great meeting; it will be fun playing in Accra. Don’t forget I was a Kotoko player so you can imagine how I will approach the game.”
In like manner, Hearts’ midfielder Paul Acqua is confident his side has what it takes to face the Tunisians.
“They are big, and we are big too. We both fear each other, but I am sure we will go through. I am confident we will make it against Esperance so no fears at all.”
It is confirmed that Hearts will host the North Africans on the said date before travelling to Tunisia two weeks later for the return leg tie.
Other fixtures include AC Leopards taking on Warri Wolves FC, while Raja Club Athletic face Etoile du Sahel.
AS Kaloum will face Orlando Pirates, with SM Sanga Balende clashing with Zamalek.
Stade Malien will battle ASV Club, while Al-Ahly play Club Africain. CS Sfaxien have been pitted against Asec Mimosas.
By Kofi Owusu Aduonum
Via: -Daily Guide
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