Soccer News of Thursday, 11 February 2016

Source: sportscrusader.com

Bejaia are ‘far ahead’ of Ashgold – Eric Opoku

Ashgold versatile player, Eric Opoku Ashgold versatile player, Eric Opoku

Ashgold versatile player, Eric Opoku has tipped CAF champions league opponents, Algerian side, MO Bejaia as favourite going into the 1st leg of their elimination clash at the Len Clay sports stadium.

The 24-year-old midfielder who received the most prestigious award during the end of season awards gala for the 2014/15 season will lead the Obuasi based club going into the tie and hope the club’s slump in form since the season ended would turn around starting with the champions league clash against the Algerian side.

The 2014/15 First Capital Plus Premier League champions have failed to impress the club’s fans and with their recent defeat coming against Medeama SC in the super clash at the Accra sports stadium and Opoku’s assessment of the team’s chances gives little hope that things will change. Ashgold have played just three competitive games – two were in the maiden GHALCA G6 tourney and the super clash game making it three.

Mo Bejaia lie third on the Algerian Ligue 1 table with 31-points after 20-games whilst Ashgold are yet to kick a ball in the Ghana premier league (GPL) this season (2015/16) – league starts on February 20 and it is based on this the former Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Hearts of Oak player, Opoku believes gives the Algiers an advantage.


“We have seen video footage of their games on numerous occasions but their physique – structure and height gives them an advantage going into the game but we have deployed a strategy – keep the ball down to our advantage,” Opoku said.





“They are very well organised and with their league still in session are much fit for the game than we are. We will have to defend more and play on the counter attack as we are behind in terms of match fitness, he added.





Ashgold will host MO Bejaia on Sunday, February 14 at the Len Clay stadium.