Ghana Premier league side Hearts of Oak are optimistic of their chances ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup game against AC Djoliba on Friday.

A 27-member delegation arrived in Bamako on Wednesday afternoon having left Accra by air.

The Phobians will be given the chance to hold their final training session at the venue of the match on Thursday evening.

Hearts coach Herbert Addo is hoping to record a favourable away result to make the second leg in Ghana a mere formality.

“We did it in Senegal against our last opponents Olympique de Ngor so going away to Mali does not mean we can’t win,” he told Joy Sports.  

“We are very hopeful of a good result in Mali and my players are well aware of what is at stake especially when you play away in tournaments of this nature.

“Our form has been consistent and that makes me happy, we are not under any pressure and I know we can come home with a good result which obviously will make the second leg a mere formality.”

The Accra-based club is now the only remaining local side in Africa this season following the early elimination of Asante Kotoko from the Caf Champions League.

“We have a huge task ahead of us knowing very well that we are the only remaining Ghanaian side but that does not put pressure on us,” he added.

Hearts won the maiden edition of the competition in 2004 when they defeated arch rivals Asante Kotoko 8-7 on penalties after the two legs ended 2-2.

Hearts 18-man squad for Djoliba clash

Goalkeepers: Soulama Abdulaye, Tetteh Luggard
Defenders: Joseph Owusu Bempah, Fatau Mohammed, Shaun October, Isaac Oduro, Vincent Atinga (Leornard Taiwiah), Kwaku Andoh, Philip Boampong, Robin Gnagne
Midfielder: Kofi Abanga (Issah Mumumi), Emmanuel Saban Laryea, Paul Acquah, Richard Yamoah , Isaac Mensah
Attackers: Foovi Aguidi, Gilbert Fiamenyor, Eric Kumi
 
TECHNICAL MEN:
Herbert Addo (Head Coach)
Dauda Lutterodt (Assistant Coach)
Eddie Ansah (Goalkeepers trainer)
Sabbah Quaye (Team Manager)
Okyere Baffuor (Physiotherapist)
Aliu Adjetey (Masseur)
 
OFFICIALS:
Gerald Ankrah (The club's Managing Director)
Joe Addo (The club’s Corporate Affairs Manager)
Muheed Said (Media Officer)
Hackman Aidoo (Administrative Manager)
 
GFA REP
A.A. LAWAL (Eastern Regional Football Association Chairman)

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