CAF Conf. Cup: Esperance defender Afful confident ahead of Hearts clash

Esperance defender Harrison Afful is hopeful his side can edge past Hearts of Oak in the final round of the CAF Confederations Cup.

Hearts of Oak and Esperance face off in a repeat of the 2000 CAF Champions League finals after the two sides were paired in the play-off stage of the competition.

Esperance having been booted out of the Champions League are eager to redeem their image by reaching the Group stage of the confederations Cup.

This will be the first time Harrison Afful will play against a Ghanaian club in continental football.

The former Asante Kotoko defender is aware of the history between the two clubs but believes they can make amends.

“History is always history and we are aware of what happened in 2000 but that is past and gone and we are a new generation,” said Afful

“We are more determined and willing to win trophies for the club and we have the character and ready to meet any team.

“I’m very happy to be coming back to Ghana to play against Hearts, it will be a good game and I know we can carry the day and make it to the next stage of the competition.

“It is just unfortunate we couldn’t progress to the group stage of the Champions league but this is equally an important competition and that we will do our best to win it.”

Esperance were eliminated from the Champions League by Sudanese side Al Merreikh and there are concerns about the firepower of the North Africans ahead of the Hearts clash.

Story by Ghana/Joy Sports/Benedict Owusu