Medeama delivered a remarkable performance in their last match, overcoming a goal deficit to secure a victory against Algerian champions CR Belouizdad. This win has revitalized their hopes of advancing from the group stage, instilling confidence as they approach Friday’s clash against Tanzanian champions Yanga SC.
Despite a challenging start in the CAF Champions League, where they suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of reigning champions Al Ahly in Cairo, Medeama exhibited resilience by scoring a last-minute goal in Kumasi last week to triumph 2-1 over Belouizdad. This turnaround has sparked optimism that Medeama, in their debut appearance, can achieve something remarkable.
Kamaradin scores the winner for ??Medeama SC to claim all three points against CR Belouizdad????#CAFCLpic.twitter.com/b3EQkooSqP
— George Addo Jnr (@addojunr) December 1, 2023
They currently stand third in the group with three points, trailing behind Al Ahly (4 points) and CR Belouizdad (3 points with a superior goal difference). Yanga, on the other hand, find themselves at the bottom with one point.
Coach Evans Adotey acknowledged the importance of their standing, highlighting the need to secure a top-two position for qualification. He stated, “The standings on the league log speak volumes about the need to prepare and sit up because, at the tail end, two teams will qualify to the next round.”
Adotey expressed respect for Yanga, acknowledging them as a formidable team that reached the final of the CAF Confederation Cup last season. Despite Yanga’s challenging start, he remains cautious and focused on preparation for the upcoming match.
Concerns arise for Medeama due to their inability to keep a clean sheet in their last four games, including the initial two matches in the competition. Adotey acknowledged this as a worrisome sign but assured that they have been addressing defensive issues in training.
MP for Tarkwa Nsuaem and Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. George Mireku Duker visits the Team at Training in Kumasi.#Nevergiveup pic.twitter.com/BDXtC7V2N4
— Medeama SC – 22/23 GPL Champions (@MedeamaSC) December 6, 2023
He said, “So far, we’ve worked on creating depth in defence in making sure we don’t concede this time around. Working on defensive, you still have to think forward.”
Goalkeeper Felix Kyei, who is having a standout season, added, “As a goalkeeper, you need to keep a clean sheet. Every game, I want to keep a clean sheet but the game decides sometimes. In some instances, we’re unable to keep a clean sheet due to one or two mistakes. Tomorrow, I am not promising a clean sheet but we are going to give off our best to take the three maximum points.”
Medeama approach the match with all players available except for Hamidu Fatawu, who is nursing an injury. Striker Jonathan Sowah, returning from a one-match suspension, is expected to start.
Adotey exudes confidence, rejecting the notion of failure and emphasizing his commitment to securing victory. He declared, “I will not accept the word fail. No! I will not accept it. I’ve spoken already. My mission tomorrow is to ensure victory, and I don’t want to listen to the word fail! No, I will not fail! I am a winner! I want to win tomorrow. Yanga is a very good side; I know, but I don’t want to listen to the word fail! Let’s see what happens tomorrow.”
The match will kick off at 4 pm local time at the Baba Yara Stadium.