Kotoko eye big win over Al Hilal …to boost head-to-head advantage

Kumasi Asante Kotoko goaltender, Felix Annan, has indicated the team was focused on gaining a better head-to-head count against their group opponents to secure one of the two slots available to advance to the last eight of their CAF confederations Cup campaign.

The ‘Oseikrom’ boys produced a breathtaking performance to dismiss Zambian opponents; Nkana FC 3-0 after goals from Abdul Safiw Fatawu, Emmanuel Gyamfi and Martin Antwi avenged a 3-1 defeat suffered in Zambia the previous week.

By the result, Kotoko climbed to second place in Group C with six points, just a point behind leaders Al Hilal of Sudan after match day four.

But Annan believes the team’s goal of achieving a superior head-to-head record would do the trick for them.

“We know the rules of the competition and are fully aware of the importance of gaining an advantage over all on the head-to-head count whilst we win our games.”

“Heading into the Nkana game, it was obvious we were on the back foot after the heavy defeat suffered. Our target was to win by A 2-0 margin to gain the head-to-head advantage over them and we achieved that”.

With group leaders Al Hilal storming the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday for their match day five clash, the Deputy Skipper believes the mission will not change.

“We are behind Al Hilal on the head-to-head count after we suffered a 1-0 loss to them in Sudan in our first game. On Sunday, the focus will be to reverse that to our advantage by obtaining a convincing win, “he said on Asempa FM’s Sports morning show.

Annan was relieved the team achieved their first clean sheet on home turf in the Confederations Cup and indicated the team will continue to work hard to build on the defensive feat.

“As a team and defensive unit, we’ll go into the games to maintain clean sheets. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been working for us but we kept on working hard and now we can heave a sigh of relief.”

Annan attributed their success in the campaign so far largely to the unrelenting support they have enjoyed from the fans.

He called on them to fill the Baba Yara Stadium to capacity and cheer them on to victory against Al Hilal to keep the dream of making the last eight alive.

BY NANA BENTSI ODURO