Herbert Mensah backs Hearts to beat Esperance

History is history and Ghanaian clubs have a very good history against North African clubs according to former Kumasi Asante Kotoko Chairman Herbert Mensah when it comes to CAF football inter-club competitions.

The famous of Ghanaian clubs good history against North African clubs is the 2000 CAF Champions league final, when Accra Hearts of Oak drubbed Esperance Sportive de Tunis 5-2 on aggregate after two legs.

Al Ahly were also massacred 4-0 here and Herbert Mensah wants Hearts of Oak to use past glory to beat Esperance.

"Ghana have a good history against North African clubs at that level. Accra Hearts of Oak have beaten Esperance here before; they have a history," former Kumasi Asante Kotoko Chairman said.

"I know the North Africans are always afraid of coming to Ghana. When I was chairman of Kotoko, I know they use to have a say in this kind of competitions.

"I know they still remember the good old days when Bawuah and the rest; when Al Ahly came here and were beaten 4 goals before going away. It has become part of their history, North Africans have always suffered in Ghana and Esperance with what happened here in the final (in 2000) with Hearts of Oak, still feels bitter and fearful." He said.

Herbert Mensah advised Hearts of Oak to be wary of Arabic clubs antics. They will play for a draw in Accra, knowing well they will have the edge in the second leg.

"Hearts of Oak should know that Arabic teams will come here for a draw knowing well that they will go and do better at home. But we are also a nation that know no boundaries. Though our domestic football is not good, we have a sense of pride."

The first leg will be played in Tunis on the weekend of 16 and 17 May.