- Kotoko skipper Samba O’Neil says the team is mentally ready and views the challenge as an opportunity to prove themselves
- The captain emphasized that regardless of performance level, winning is the priority
- Asante Kotoko will face Nigeria’s Kwara United in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie this Sunday
Asante Kotoko captain Samba O’Neil has acknowledged the weight of expectations on the team but insists they are fully prepared for their CAF Confederation Cup opener against Nigeria’s Kwara United.
The FA Cup champions will host the first leg of the tie this Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 GMT.
For many in Kotoko’s squad, it will be their debut on the continental stage, but O’Neil sees the occasion as a source of inspiration rather than pressure.
“My mindset is always to be prepared. This is another opportunity to make a difference,” he told the club’s media team.
“We’re confident and putting in the hard work. For most of us, it’s our first time in a competition like this, so we’re determined to go all out and make a name for ourselves.”
The skipper emphasized that pressure is part of the responsibility when playing for a club of Kotoko’s stature.
“When you play for a big club like Kotoko, you have to understand that winning is expected — no matter how you perform. Whether you play well or not, you must win.”
“The pressure is always there, but we embrace it. We need to keep winning to make our fans proud,” he added.
