Medeama SC finds themselves in a promising position to secure qualification as they approach the second leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round against Remo Stars FC.
Following a 1-0 victory over the Nigerians in the first leg at Cape Coast, the Ghana Premier League champions are well-positioned.
The triumph over Remo Stars FC came courtesy of Jonathan Sowah’s goal in the 22nd minute during the match at the Cape Coast Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
As the action shifts to the Remo Star Stadium for the second leg, Remo Stars FC faces the challenge of overturning the narrow deficit. Ghanaian clubs have often faced difficulties in the return legs of CAF inter-club football competitions. While this trend is expected to persist, Medeama’s success depends on adopting the right approach for the game in Nigeria.
Although a defensive strategy may be tempting, the modern game favors an open and attacking style. The choice of tactics for the return leg will hinge on multiple factors, with Coach Evans Adotey unlikely to rely solely on a deep-sitting defensive approach. Such a tactic could result in the Ghana Premier League champions having less possession of the ball.
Ahead of the first leg in Cape Coast, Adotey revealed his meticulous preparations, stating, “One may not come out as a coach to demonstrate or brief the public as to how he plans or his knowledge about the opponent.” He added, “We’ve observed their games… We’ve identified few points including weakness and strengths. We’ve seen them and we’ve planned for them.”
Both Medeama SC and Remo Stars are making their inaugural appearances in the CAF Champions League this season. Remo Stars secured the second position in the Nigerian Premier League table in the previous season, while Medeama SC clinched the Ghana Premier League title, surpassing heavyweights Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak.
Medeama SC has demonstrated a strong away record in Africa, drawing 0-0 against Sudanese side Al Ahly Shendi and 1-1 against Young Africans in Tanzania. In the 2016 group stage, their open approach yielded mixed results, with a third-place finish behind TP Mazembe and MO Bejaia.
As they navigate the challenges of the second leg, Medeama SC will strive to maintain their momentum and secure a spot in the next phase of the tournament.
