Experienced GPL goalkeeper, Richmond Ayi says Ghanaian clubs especially Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko are not well prepared to compete in the upcoming CAF inter-club competitions.
The two most successful Ghanaian clubs were given the green light to represent Ghana in the CAF Champions League and the Confederations Cup after emerging as the winners of the local top-flight league and the FA Cup.
Ayi, who featured in the final of the 2021/22 FA Cup is not convinced with the current state of Ghanaian clubs as compared to other clubs on the continent.
Asante Kotoko last competed in Africa during the 2020/21 season but they were eliminated from the competition following a decision from CAF after losing 1-0 in the first leg of the final qualification round to Al-Hilal.
However, they saw the second leg cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns in their camp.
The Porcupine Warriors were unable to provide at least 15 players for the clash and as such automatically conceded the match with a 2-0 scoreline for Al-Hilal.
Elsewhere, Hearts of Oak also represented the nation in both competitions in the 2021/22 campaign.
They had a disastrous performance, shipping ten goals in just two matches on the road, including the four conceded in Algiers against JS Saoura.
Despite booking the ticket for the upcoming inter-club competitions, Ayi insists Ghanaian clubs are not ready for Africa.
He further asserted that they need to work hard to make impact in the competition.
“Ghanaian clubs are not ready for CAF Champions league. We need to work hard to bridge the gap as it is possible to catch up,” Ayi told Sompa FM.
“As we speak now, no club in Ghana is ready the Champions league. Ghanaian clubs have a long way to go. We need to do a lot to meet the standard out there.”
The two Ghanaian giants, Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak on some occasions had conquered Africa but with current performance they are struggling to cut in again despite their dominance in the domestic league.
