CAF Champions League: Medeama still in contention for knockout round despite Young Africans draw
The Ghanaian champions went ahead through a Jonathan Sowah penalty and looked on course to capitalise on CS Belouizdad's stalemate with leaders Al Ahly but they were rocked by a second-half Young Africans fightback at the Baba Yara in Kumasi
Medeama coach Augustine Evans Adotey insisted his side is still in contention to qualify for the knockout round despite seeing his side blow the chance to go second in Group D of the CAF Champions League after being held 1-1 by Young Africans on Friday.
The Ghanaian champions went ahead through a Jonathan Sowah penalty and looked on course to capitalise on CS Belouizdad’s stalemate with leaders Al Ahly.
But they were rocked by a second-half Young Africans fightback at the Baba Yara in Kumasi.
Young Africans equalised in the 36th minute thanks to a strike from Peodoh Pacome Zouzoua.
Medeama are now third on four points in the group, behind Al Ahly the leaders and CR Beoulizdad. But the coach believes his side are not out of the race to reach the quarter finals.
“We are still in the competition. They drew one all here but we can also go and beat them in their own backyard.”
“Football is a game of uncertainties. I’m telling you the truth, don’t write us off as I’m speaking. We have the hope that we can surprise them.”
Reflecting on the game, Evans Adortey said: “I am not down because football is full of uncertainties,”. We have a young squad with even third-tier players.”
“Yanga have more experienced players but my boys fought hard against their quality, We wanted to win here to improve our position,”
Medeama will travel to Young Africans in Tanzania next Wednesday.
Story By: Princeton Wiredu
