AFTER sending the world of Asante Kotoko tumbling like the walls of Jericho last Wednesday, Obuasi Goldfields must be in the mood for greater conquest.

The well-executed 2-0 defeat of Kotoko who, until last Wednesday appeared to be driving at full throttle in the league, is the magic potion Goldfields need to confront Africa Sports of La Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday. The miners face the Ivorians at Len Clay on Sunday in a first leg one-quarter CAF Cup championship.

The ease with which the miners immobilised the hitherto high flying Kotoko must lead to the evaporation of any doubts about their preparedness to deal with opposition in their continental campaign.

However, against a side like Africa Sports that has also been through all kinds of battles on the continental terrain, Goldfields would have to brace for a very taxing assignment.

Africa Sports, one of the few clubs in Africa with the wherewithal to entice quality players from all over the continent, especially the sub-region, have been able to establish a tradition of battle-readiness over the years.

Having been lately eclipsed by arch rivals, Asec Mimosas, on the local scene, Africa Sports are badly in need of a platform to relaunch themselves into the front row. They would certainly like to use the CAF Cup championship to realise that dream.

Ghanaian and Ivorian clubs rarely meet in continental competitions, but when they do, the sparks from the collisions always leave lasting memories. That tradition would come full cycle in the two-leg confrontation between the two teams.

Like their Ivorian opponents, Goldfields too have been consigned to the shadows of Accra Hearts of Oak for nearly five seasons, and there can’t be a better time to seek a change in fortunes. Advancing to the next stage of the competition could be a step in that direction.

But for their poor away showing in the domestic league, Goldfields would be in serious contention for laurels. Even so, their third place on the league table is something to be proud of.

From what was seen of Goldfields last Wednesday, Ghanaians have cause to look forward to victory on Sunday. But that can’t be taken for granted.

This is one match the miners can’t afford to take chances in if they are to avoid any rude awakening. Every single goal can make all the difference in the return leg.

In general Captain Yaw Owusu and his deputy, Princeton Owusu-Ansah, Nana Arhin-Duah, Isaac Boakye, Ofosu Amoah, Kofi Amoako and the others, Goldfields have what it takes to surmount obstacles — local or foreign.