Medeama Sporting Club, the champion of Ghana's 2022–2023 betPawa Premier League, has successfully qualified for the second round of Africa's prestigious club football tournament.
Medeama’s strategic tactics came to the fore as they clinched a stunning victory against Nigerian side Remo Stars in a nail-biting match at the Remo Stars Stadium in Sagamu.
The mauve and yellow outfit dominated possession but made no goal incursions, but the home side, Remo Stars, scored the first goal in the 72nd minute to take the lead after goalkeeper Felix Kyei struggled with the ball as it rolled into the net.
The thrilling match culminated in a dramatic penalty shootout, where the team’s meticulous preparation proved to be the game-changer.
Stephen Pius, Medeama’s assistant coach, explained to Peace FM on Monday the overall evaluation of the two teams and how the match was extended to a shootout to determine which team qualified.
“Overall assessment of the game: the tempo was high on both sides. Medeama had a very strong side, and Remo was also trying to catch us,” Pius said.
Pius opened up about the efforts made by both teams to attain the qualification slot for the competition.
Pius divulged, “They made a lot of efforts to win the game. We were also tactically disciplined to sit back and wait for them and catch them on a fast break.”
“We came in with two objectives: either we don’t allow them to get a goal here or we tally our lead. Unfortunately, they got the equaliser, but the time they got it helped us keep the remaining duration to take us to penalties. But we were also prepared for the penalty shootout, we came in to win,” Pius informed Peace FM of Medeama’s readiness for the penalty kicks.
Moses Parker’s side will play their second round of the 2023–2024 CAF Champions League on September 15, 2023, at home against Horoya Athletic Club.
