Hearts of Oak defender Joseph Owusu Bempah says the side is determined to progress further in the CAF Confederations Cup to atone for the continental woes of rivals Asante Kotoko.

The Phobians are up against AC Djoliba on Friday, in the first leg of their preliminary qualifier in the Confederations Cup.

Hearts remain the only surviving Ghanaian club in Africa this season following the early elimination of Asante Kotoko.

The deputy captain of the Accra-based side says they are primed to do well to redeem Ghana’s diminishing clout in African club competitions.

“We were not happy when our brothers [Asante Kotoko] exited, so we want to fight for Ghana, being the only surviving club in Africa,” Bempah said.

Hearts won the maiden edition of the Confederation Cup after beating Asante Kotoko on penalties in 2004.