Match Preview: Akonangui FC vs AshantiGold: Miners search for continental glory in Equatorial Guinea
10th August 2019
Returning to continental football since 2015/2016 CAF Champions league early exit, Ashantigold SC will be hoping to overpower a relatively unknown, yet strong Akonangui FC side as the teams face-off at the Ebebiyin Stadium far away in Equatorial Guinea on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
Inspired by the pedigree of both clubs, we take a look at the statistics of the two teams in terms of recent form and general performance in CAF interclub competitions.
Akonangui FC, led by their president Ruslan Obiang, Coach Pepe de la Sagra, and physical trainer Alejandro Sajeras have been exceptional in recent times. In their previous ten (10) competitive Matches, the team has registered nine (9) wins, and just a draw. Scoring 21 goals whiles conceding only 2. Impressive to say the least.
Ashantigold on the other hand has won (9) out of the last ten (10) competitive matches, whiles losing only to Karela FC at the semi finals of the Tier 1 cup. The "miners" have scored a total of 20 goals, conceded 4 and with a positive goal difference of 16. Simply exceptional.
Undoubtedly, both clubs are in a good form ahead of the game tomorrow.
In terms of CAF interclub competitions, Akonangui FC have played fourteen (14) matches, won four (4), lost eight (8) and drawn twice. Some of their victories came against Lobi Stars of Nigeria (1:0) in 2006. With a winning percentage of just 28.
Ashantigold SC has played a total of fourthy two (42) matches in CAF interclub competitions. The "Miners" have won nineteen (19) times, lost fourteen (14) and drawn (9), with a winning percentage of 45.
Clearly, in terms of continental pedigree, Ashantigold is ahead of the host (Akonangui FC).
Strengthened by a cheerful home support, and inspired by the desire to make history, Akonangui FC will hope to gain a favorable results on Saturday.
Ashantigold SC, with a history of registering a double victory over Renaciemento in 2006, would hope to replicate the past to gain a positive results before the return leg in a fortnight.
Events leading to the game has been extremely difficult for the "Miners". Ashantigold, upon arriving in Malabo on Thursday, August 8, spent more than 3 hours at the airport without any official of Akonangui showing up. The miners, after taking a compromised decision to sleep in Malabo and depart for Ebebiyin on Friday morning were again made to wait for several hours without any flight on Friday Morning. Contrary to CAF regulations, Ashantigold had no choice than to train in Malabo in the evening before departing to Bata later in the evening. Constant unwarranted and seemingly deliberate delay tactics by the host in Malabo and beyond, meant the "Miners" can only reach Ebebiyin few hours before the Match.
Expectations are high, But without doubt, and despite a seemingly intimidatory tactics by the host, Coach Ricardo Da Rocha and his men are in pole position to secure victory on Saturday.
*By Bioh Daniel*