Asante Kotoko winger, Emmanuel Gyamfi believes the club is highly motivated for the Kano Pillars clash in next month’s CAF Champions League elimination round tie.

The first leg with the Nigerian side, is set to take place at the 16, 000 capacity Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on the weekend of August 9 to 11 with the return encounter slated for the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi, on the weekend of August 23 to 25.

Last season, the Porcupines reached the group stage of the Confederation Cup but they could not qualify for quarterfinal. Nonetheless, they have shown promise going into the 2019/20 Champions League, having come from behind to beat Burkinabe Premier League and FA Cup winner, Rahimo FC 2-1 in an international friendly match in Kumasi last Sunday.

The 22-year-old, who made ten appearances in the Confederation Cup last season, told Ghanacrusader in an interview that, they are all pumped up for the challenge ahead. “The game against Kano Pillars is special for all of us, for every player. We’re looking forward to it.

“We were open to meeting any team but we didn’t want to face a North African team. So, the draw, I would say, gave us the kind of opponent we wanted. We are both West African clubs. Our style of play is quite identical so the opposition would not be too difficult” he said. “It surely won’t be easy for us but we are bent on qualifying and so will give it everything.”

Kotoko go into the inter-club championship with a changed outlook from last season after a change in personnel that has brought new coach, Norwegian, Kjetil Zachariassen. The playing body also looks different. Some of the old faces are now out and their places have been taken by new recruits.

Gyamfi opined that; the changes boost the team’s strength. “Kano Pillars are a good side but we have the team to beat them looking at our performance level currently. The new players also want to achieve something for the club and themselves. We have more confidence to go to Nigeria and play. Kano Pillars have a good team but we will play to win.”