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18.08.2006 Football News

Coach Afranie Still Hopeful

By chronicle
Coach Afranie Still Hopeful
18.08.2006 LISTEN

THE HEAD Coach of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Emmanuel Akwasi Afranie has said though they managed only a point against Al Ahly in their third day tie of the MTN/CAF champions league, his boys did not disgraced themselves during the game.

"It is the hope of every team playing in the Champions league to record victory in all matches, but against certain teams, a draw is good score line".

Speaking in an interview with King Edward on a Kumasi-based radio station (Hello Fm) on Monday, coach Afranie noted "Kotoko was never disgraced against Al Ahly, the continent's number club. AL Ahly is compared to all the big clubs in other part of the world and in the champions league we are playing, every team can manage a win away so if God gave us a point, we should thank him, even though that was not what we wanted".

Kotoko failed to consolidate their lead in Group A, when they were given the chance against their old rival Club from the North of the continent, Al Ahly and are now placed second behind S.C Sfaxien of Tunisia with four points after three games.

The competition now with eight teams left have been grouped into two and the best two in each group after six matches automatically qualify to play in the semis. Asec Memmosas of Ivory Coast, Orlando Pirates of South, Enyimba F.C and Accra Hearts of Oak are the teams making group B whiles J.S kabylie of Algeria completes Group A.

With three more games to go, Coach Afranie is still confidence in his team's qualification to the Semis. "we did all we could to ensure victory on Sunday especially in the second half but luck was not on our side but that does mean we cant qualify to the next stage"

"We can win or manage a draw in Egypt in two weeks time so all we need from our numerous supporters is their support", the Coach noted.

One of the team's dependable defender, Azziz Ansah who was substituted in their game on Sunday, shared the same view as his trainer when called on the same programme, as he also called for the support of the supporters.

When the host of the programme suggested to him that he was not happy when he was substituted by the coach on the day, Azziz noted, "I only requested a key to the dressing room to change my self. Even Rolando is subjected to substitution how much more ordinary Azziz".

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