Caf CC: ASEC shatter Aduana’s last-8 dreams

Aduana Stars’ faintest hope of a Confederation Cup group stage berth was shattered Sunday by a shock 2-0 home defeat to Ivorian giants ASEC Mimosas.

The Ghanaian champions, going to the day five fixture, placed third and needed a win to boost their chances before making a trip to Morocco’s Raja Casablanca.

But it was the cross-border neighbours who made it two wins over Aduana in their Group A duels courtesy first half goals from Gbagnon Badie and Braciano Ta Bi.

ASEC, who basically had their pride at stake, showed their intentions early enough and continued to torment their hosts at the Nana Agyeman Badu I Stadium in Dormaa.

Aduana suffered on the left flanks as makeshift left-back Abdul Fatawu struggled to keep up with the constant attacks thrown his way.

Not long after the 20th minute mark, centre-back Farouk Adams was caught between the devil and the deep blue situation of keeping the ball away from two ASEC attackers. Adams succeeded in dispossessing Braciano Ta Bi but ended up fouling Gogbeu Dosso with a late challenge in the penalty area.

Gbagnon Badie elected himself and hit the ball past goalkeeper Gordon Yeboah despite stretching full length to save the kick. 1-0 on 24 minutes.

ASEC made it 2-0 eleven minutes later after a brilliant solo from midfield – Braciano Ta Bi broke away and dexterously turned captain Aidoo inside-out with his run before dinking the ball over the onrushing Aduana goalkeeper.

With desperation to get back into the game, Aduana did themselves little good as they ended up blowing the many chances that came their way.

Coach Kenichi Yatsuhashi added more firepower by throwing in Congolese winger Oba Ikama, Abu Sadiq and Gockel Ahortor his side failed to find an opening.

The 2-0 defeat sees Aduana completely out of contention for a quarterfinal place from Group A especially after AS Vita also beat Raja Casablanca to go top with 10 points. Raja, who host Aduana in the final group game on August 29, sit second while ASEC climb to third position. The Ghanaians now occupy bottom place on 4 points.

Line-ups:

Aduana XI: Gordon Yeboah – Caleb Amankwah, Joseph Aidoo ©, Farouk Mohammed, Abdul Rahman – Noah Martey/76’ Gockel Ahortor, Elvis Opoku/60’ Abu Sadiq Dosso, Emmanuel Boateng – Sam Adams, Soumana Boubacar Hainikoye, Gideon Kyeremeh/46’ Oba Ikama Ulitch

ASEC Mimosas XI: Bamba, Coulibaly, Ouattara, Koanda, Coulibaly, Diarrassouba, Diomande, Badie/79’ Gaoussou Samake, Dosso, Sanogo, Braciano/90+2’ Christian Nougbele

• SportsAfric