Bibiani GoldStars head coach Frimpong Manso has admitted that home advantage makes a big difference in African inter-club competitions.
The Ghana Premier League champions are scheduled to host Algeria’s JS Kabylie at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round.
The first leg clash will be staged in the capital after Dun’s Park, their usual venue in Bibiani, was ruled out for failing to meet CAF’s standards.
GoldStars have therefore shifted training to Accra to acclimatise ahead of the match.
Speaking to Joy Sports, Manso stressed that every bit of preparation counts if his team is to take a first-leg advantage.
“It [home advantage] helps a lot, you know. If you are used to a certain home ground, like in Bibiani, we’ve been playing there week in, week out,” he said.
“But at the Accra Sports Stadium, we only come when we are playing against Hearts of Oak or one of the Accra teams.
“So, yes, we will have the opportunity to train, I think, twice before we play, so that will also help us to be able to see how the field is. And then also, when we train on it, I think it will give us that boost and the confidence to play on Saturday.”
The reverse fixture will be played in Algeria a week later, with the winner over the two legs progressing to the second preliminary round.