Medeama SC's Head Coach, Augustine Evans Adotey, expressed confidence and readiness as the Ghanaian club gears up for an epic clash against Egypt's Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on Saturday.
First-timers in the group stage, Medeama SC, aim to cause a major upset when they face the reigning champions Al Ahly in the first leg, with the return fixture scheduled for Friday, December 1.
Coach Adotey assured fans of Medeama's preparedness and hunger for victory, stating, “The boys are ready and hungry for victory. I believe in God, and with God, all things are possible. I want Ghanaians to believe in us; we are well prepared to steal the show. The fans should support us, and at the end of the game, we will come home with positive results.”
Despite acknowledging Al Ahly's status as giants in continental competitions, Adotey believes Medeama SC can match and beat the defending champions.
“I respect my opponent, and they also have experience in Africa, but they won't ride over us. We can beat Al Hilal; we just need to vary our strategy and win. By the close of the day, you'll see underdogs Medeama beating Al Ahly.”
Describing the match as a “David & Goliath” affair, Adotey emphasized that as underdogs, his team is prepared to steal the show.
“I see this game as a David and Goliath affair. If I'm David, then I have to prepare enough to come against Goliath, as it happened in the Bible.”
“We are underdogs, and I know in football, anything can happen, but the technical team has mapped up a strategy that will prevent the opponent from coming attacking. I know them to be a team that starts the attack from the back and also used to press and defend. All I need is to psyche my players, and you will see a different Medeama fighting Al Ahly for victory.”
Medeama SC is placed in Group D alongside Al Ahly, Algeria's CR Belouizdad, and Tanzania's Young Africans, who finished second in the CAF Confederation Cup.