Malian officials to handle Kotoko-Etoile clash

Accra, Aug. 12, GNA - Malian officials will be at the centre of affairs in Sunday's CAF Confederation Cup group phase opening clash between Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Tunisian side, Etoile Sportive du Sahel in Tunisia.

Information gathered by GNA Sports from the CAF secretariat in Cairo has it that Karembe Ousmane will direct affairs from the middle of the Group B clash billed for the Olympique Stadium in Sousse. The 36-year old will be assisted by compatriots, Diarra Balla and Bagagah Ibrahim.

Thirty-four old Sidibe Ousmane will serve as the reserve referee while Libyan Jamal El Jaafari acts as the Match Commissioner. Sudanese giants El-Merrikh will face Jeunesse Sportif Kabylie of Algeria in the other Group B match in Omdurman on the same day. The 'Porcupine Warriors' advanced to the group phase after demolishing Al-Ittihad of Libya.

Kotoko were losing finalists of the maiden edition of the Confederation Cup in 2004 after they lost to Accra Hearts of Oak on penalties in a local clash.