Hearts Set to Rule Africa

The history of war proves that tactics are the most important thing in winning battles. The same thing applies to football matches in which one must consider the opportunities of both sides. When both sides are of equal strength it is the side with the better tactics that wins. So it was in the Esperance vrs. Hearts first leg final in Tunis last Saturday.

On account of their fierce support and what was expected from them by the partisan crowd, Esperance opened at full throttle from the blast of the whistle. But Hearts of Oak playing a variation of Catennaccio seemed reluctant to move into attack. This approach, quite foreign to their nature caused the initial uncertain, ponderous and vulnerable defence play of the Phobians. For most of the first half it seemed likely that Esperance could win, but they were strangely hesitant and careless before the goal, and dangerous situations were ably handled by goalkeeper Sammy Adjei. Ali Zitouni, Renaldo Alelua, Hammami Taofik, Hassen Gabsi and Maher Kanzari spelt posed danger for Hearts. In the 39th minute Hearts' defensive system caved in and Ali Zitouni shot his side a goal up.

In the second half the Tunisians despite their obvious fitness and the thoroughness of their preparation were visibly wilting. After soaking all the attacks from Esperance, like blotting paper, frustration began creeping into the play of the Tunisians.

Like the tactician that he is Coach Jones Attuquayefio gave the attacking signal. The Hearts boys responded by seizing the midfield and multiplying in Esperance goal area. For their reward, Ishmael Addo, equalised and Osei Kuffuor scored the winning goal for the Phobians. Like wounded tigers and with their reputation at stake, the Tunisians surged forward but were time and again repulsed and even on two occasions Hearts nearly increased the tally. Esperance continued to attack in an attempt to snatch back their one goal deficit. In one of their high ball attacks, Ali Zitouni found himself unchallenged in front of Hearts' goal and inexplicably shot the ball wide. This was the miss of the match.

Hearts of Oak won the match 2-1 but Esperance had more number of scoring chances of which only one resulted in a goal. But it is goals, which win matches. Esperance could only point to lost chances and those incredible misses in the game. Both teams added to their reputations and both showed the place of tactics in hard fought matches. Only two things marred the contest as a sporting occasion, the deadly blow on Ishmael Addo (off camera), the dirty slap on Stephen Tetteh both by Esperance players.

Most interest focussed on the referee, Lim Kee Chong of Mauritius who had a good game. But of the press were of the view that he was over tolerant towards the Esperance players and harsh towards Hearts players. In the end there was another yellow card for Agyemang Duah and a red card for Amankwaah Mireku. And not even a caution to any Esperance player, despite pushing and pulling, shoving and spitting and poor gamesmanship. No wonder the discomfited supporters of Esperance left the stadium in disgust several minutes before the end of the match. Hearts have won the battle. Can they allow Esperance to win the battle? In Accra?