● Awako – Must make amends tomorrow

The mission somewhat appears impossible but Accra Hearts of Oak must shine against all odds to make history when they face AS Real Bamako from Mali in the CAF Confederations Cup preliminary round second leg encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium tomorrow.

Following a 3-0 humiliation far away at Bamako last Saturday, Hearts have a herculean task in hand to overturn the deficit and qualify to the next stage of the competition.

With tension gradually brewing within the Hearts camp following the firing to Coach Samuel Boadu and the subsequent defeat in continental football with coach David Ocloo in charge, it seems to be a make-or-break affair for the former African champions.

Despite the defeat in the first leg, Hearts showed some great level of confidence, especially in the second half of the game, but only failed to find the back of the net.

The likes of Daniel Afriyie Barnieh and Gladson Awako who were at the end of most of the chances, unfortunately wasted the opportunities to get home with some advantage and make the second leg easier.

They must, however, find their scoring boots in tomorrow’s match as they cannot afford to be wasteful with a 3-0 deficit to overturn.

The likes of Mohammed Alhassan and Dennis Korsah who scored an own goal in the first encounter must put the upset behind and be composed to neutralise threats from the opponent’s attackers.

Most of the players would be looking forward to redeeming their image as they failed to step up during the first leg.

Meanwhile, the Malian team, following their dominance in the first leg, would be beaming with confidence as they step into Ghana’s capital to cause another upset.

With the huge advantage from the first leg, they would go all out to protect their lead and progress to the next stage of the competition.

The team also proved to be solid at the back with physically-intimidating players and would set up to prevent Hearts attackers from finding the back of the net.

It promises to be a very cagey encounter with both teams having all to play for and secure the ultimate prize of qualifying to the next stage of the competition.

BY MICHAEL D. ABAYATEYE