Hearts of Oak defender Joseph Owusu Bempah says the side will be approaching its international friendly matches against Al Ahli with all seriousness.

The Phobians are in Tripoli on the invitation of the Libyan club for the friendlies as part of their preparations for the 2015/16 season.

With the match being a mere friendly, there are thoughts the games will not be played in a competitive spirit.

But defender Owusu Bempah says the players are not taking the friendlies against the Libyan giants lightly.

“We’re treating the game with all seriousness. These are international friendlies and very important games for us,” he told Kumasi-based Fox FM.

“We’re representing Hearts of oak and we’re facing one of the biggest clubs in Libya. For record purposes; we must beat them.

“If we beat them, it will be a great achievement as it will be documented that in 2015; Hearts of oak recorded victories against Al Ahly Tripoli in international friendlies and vice versa.”