Head coach of Hearts of Oak, Samuel Boadu has identified the “defensive midfield” as a department he needs to patch to help solidify his team for all competitions. Hearts of Oak have shown quality in midfield when attacking but lack the gritty personnel to hold insurgent opponents.
Frederick Ansah Botchway, Salifu Ibrahim have all proved their attacking prowess with Emmanuel Nettey being the only reliable holding midfielder with Caleb Amankwah in an occasional makeshift defensive midfield role for coach Samuel Boadu’s men.
The young tactician led his side to a 1-0 victory over Morocco outfit, Wydad Athletic Club in the first leg of the second preliminary 2021/22 CAF Champions League at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
A solitary tap in by Isaac Mensah from Salifu Ibrahim’s assist gave the Phobians a slim advantage for the second leg. set for October 24 at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.
It is coach Samuel Boadu’s first time leading a team to win a domestic treble as well as playing in continental football and he has been talking about the result against WAC.
“Unfortunate we couldn’t score more but we’re ok with one goal.
“We need composure in opponent goal area to improve scoring. We will work on it.
“If we have good officiating like this in Morocco Hearts can win.” Samuel Boadu said.
Having lost a top defensive midfielder, Banjamin Afutu to Egypt club, El Sharkia Dokhan in a reported 3-year deal, the former Medeama coach believes that area of his team must be filled with alacrity.
“What we need is a Defensive Midfielder. Salim Adams is not a Defensive Midfielder. His tackles show.” Samuel Boadu said.
Accra Hearts of Oak prior to facing Wydad Athletic Club in the second leg, eliminated Guinea side, Club Industriel de Kamsar by 2-0 margin over a leg at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Burly striker, Kofi Kodzi scored from a free kick in the first half before talented midfielder, Salim Adams increased the tally to 2-0 from a long drive.
The 2000 CAF Champions League winners will qualify for the group stage if they avoid defeat, record a scoring draw or win the second leg at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on October 24.
