Kotoko, Hearts get busy

After a month's respite Kumasi Asante Kotoko have stepped up preparations for their CAF Champions League campaign.

Kotoko face J.S Kabylie of Algeria in their first league game in the continental club championship.

And coach E.K Afranie is grilling his charges to be battle ready when the action resumes on July 19.

The Porcupine Warriors drew 1-1 with premier league returnees Swedru All Blacks at the Swedru Sports Stadium.

Midfielder Michael Asante got the opening goal for Kotoko before All Blacks equalized in the second half through Clement Kofi Togbe.

Coach Emmanuel Kwesi Afranie told Joy Sports All Blacks provided a good test for his team.

Accra Hearts of Oak and Liberty Professionals will play a memorial match in honour of the late Emmanuel Offei-Ansah, former coach of Hearts at the Dansoman Liberty Park today.

Offei-Ansah died after a league match between the two sides a year ago.

The match is the first of an annual event instituted by Hearts as tribute to the memory of the former trainer.

It is also expected to be a fund-raiser for the up-keep of the departed trainer's family.

Coming ahead of the commencement of the 2006 league season however, the game serves as a preparatory exercise for the two teams.