Medeama will shock North African competitors, Predicts official.
Dr. Toni Aubynn, the board chairman of Medeama SC, says his squad is not intimidated by the caliber of its opponents in the CAF Champions League group stage and would work hard to create an impact despite being the underdog in the matchup.
The Ghanaian champions were grouped in Group D of Africa’s top interclub competition with three formidable North African teams: Club Africain of Tunisia, CR Belouizdad of Algeria, and Al Ahly SC of Egypt.
Dr. Aubynn stated last Friday following the draws that Medeama’s primary goal was to qualify for the competition’s quarterfinals and that once this milestone was reached, Coach Evans Adotey and his players would turn their attention to new goals.
He acknowledged that North African teams were tough opponents in continental events, but noted that the fact that Medeama had advanced to the group stage indicated that they were also a potent force and prepared to take on any of the teams.
Al Ahly, who have won the Champions League a record 11 times, one CAF Confederation Cup trophy, and four Cup Winners’ Cup wins, are Africa’s most successful team in continental competitions.
In the same vein, Club Africain has won the Tunisia championship 13 times and was the African Cup of Champions Clubs champion in 1991.
CR Belouizdad has won the Algerian Pro Ligue 1 ten times, but they have a ton of experience in continental competitions. Their finest CAF performance was a semi-final appearance in the 1996 African Cup Winners’ Cup.
Dr. Aubynn remained unwaveringly confident in Medeama’s capacity to compete at the highest level despite acknowledging the impressive track records of their rivals, including Al Ahly’s position as the most successful team in African competitions, Club Africain’s previous Champions League triumph, and CR Belouizdad’s domestic success.
“At this point, you should feel like one of the big boys. We are confident that we will advance to the group’s top level since we believe that every team in our group is on an equal footing with us.
There is no disputing the fact that we are the underdogs because this is our first time participating in this league; Al Ahly is an established team, so playing them makes you an underdog by default. We’re aiming to demonstrate that being the underdog is not a restriction, said Dr. Aubynn.
He emphasized how the world of football was changing and that past dominance no longer ensured future success. He was adamant that Medeama had a real chance to finish in the top two spots in the group, advance to the quarterfinals, and have a significant impact on the match.
We appreciate every team, but as I keep pointing out, this club has won it numerous times, so it is only natural that they would do so once more. Since football is full of surprises, the prevailing circumstances no longer apply; hence, we believe that anyone could win.
The board chairman was adamant that they will advance from the group during the group stage matches, which are set to begin on Friday, November 25, 2023, through March 1, 2024.
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