The president of Medeama SC, Moses Armah, has tipped the debutants to advance to the lucrative group stage of the Confederation Cup after they were drawn against winners of the 2012 edition, AC Leopards of Congo in the final play-off stage.
Ghana's sole representatives in African club competition will travel to the 20,000-seater, Stade Denis Sassou Nguesso in Dolisie for the first leg scheduled for the weekend of April 18-20, with the return fixture on the weekend of April 25-27 taking place at the Sekondi Stadium at Essipon.
Speaking to his club's website yesterday after the draw held in Cairo saw the defending MTN FA Cup holders avoid Egyptian giants Al-Ahly, he said, “I think it’s a good draw for us and we are looking forward to the final qualifying game.
“Congolese clubs are very good and have been consistent in Africa , so we will take notice.”
He stressed that even though it was a herculean task, Medeama had the men to ensure progression.
“We know it’s going to be tough but we’ll do our best to qualify to the group phase.
“The previous three matches were extremely difficult but we managed to scale those hurdles. I believe we can continue in that regard," he added.
Other fixtures completing the play-off round include; Egyptian powerhouse Al-Ahly versus Difaa El Jadida of Morocco, an all-Malian affair between AS Real Bamako and Djoliba AC, South Africa's Kaizer Chiefs battling Cote d'Ivoire's ASEC Mimosas, Cameroun's Coton Sport clashing with Petro de Luanda of Angola, Horoya of Guinea take on Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia, Sewe Sport of Cote d'Ivoire host Nigeria's Bayelsa United and Zambian side, Nkana collide with CA Bizertin of Tunisia.
The draw saw the winners of the Confederation Cup second round being drawn against the losers of the Champions League second round, with the former hosting the second leg.
