Hearts of Oak to play CI Kamsar in Accra in a one-leg qualifier
Ghana’s sole representative in the Caf Champions League, Accra Hearts of Oak will have their work in the preliminary round of the Caf elite competition cut short following a decision by the competition organizing committee.
The Phobians were scheduled to play the Guinean side on Sunda, September 12 but following political unrest in the host country, Caf has decided to invoke some clauses in the competition’s regulations which will now see the two-leg fixtures turned into a one-leg clash and at Accra.
In a letter to the Ghana Football Federation secretary, Prosper Harrison Addo, the Organizing Committee quoted provisions of Articles 1 and 2.1 to back their decision. The said provisions state that “1. In case of troubles, wars, forces majeure or internal situations in a country that may affect the security conditions during planning of a match, the Organizing Committee may take the following measures: 2. In two leg matches (home and away): 2.1 If the case concerns only one country, the federation will play its home match on a ground in another country, or a single game will be played on the opponent’s field. Where appropriate, the Organizing Committee will determine the match venue.
“The winner of this single match will qualify to the 2nd preliminary round of the competition. In case of a draw at the end of the regulatory time, the winner shall be determined by penalty kicks in accordance to the Laws of the Game.”
Per the decision, the Phobians will host the Guinean side at the Accra Sports Stadium in a single match, the winner of which advances to the next stage of the competition.
It is hoped that this will save the Premier League champions some resources as they prepare for the encounter. Samuel Boadu’s side has been training and engaging in friendly matches to improve their match sharpness ahead of the fixture.
By: Clifford Adumbire | myactiveonline.com
