Nations FC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kennedy Ansah-Boakye, says a slow start and difficult pitch conditions were factors that affected their performance in the defeat to FC Diarra.
The MTN FA Cup champions suffered a 1-0 defeat against FC Diarra in the first leg of the preliminary round of the 26/27 CAF Confederation Cup at the Stade Mamadou Konaté in Bamako.
Speaking in an interview, Kennedy admitted that Nations FC did not start the game well but explained that the team needed to manage the opening stages of the tie.
“The match was a tale of two halves. We didn’t start well, but we needed to start slowly,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.
He also raised concerns about the condition of the AstroTurf, particularly the timing of the watering of the surface before kick-off.
“The pitch was watered about 45 minutes before the game and 15 minutes before kick-off as well. There is heat there, and Astro Turf, when it’s not watered, the surface is hot, and when water is added, it is heated more, but I wouldn’t use that as an excuse; it is all part of the game.”
Although the Nations FC CEO acknowledged that such challenges should not be used as an excuse for the result, he stressed the importance of proper pitch preparation, arguing that groundsmen can play a crucial role in influencing football match outcomes.
“People don’t know this, but match outcomes are not only determined on the pitch; a lot of confrontations also need to be done. Because the groundsman also plays a key role in match outcomes.”
Despite the defeat, he believes Nations FC had opportunities to change the outcome of the game, but remains hopeful ahead of the return fixture, backing coach Zdravko to exploit FC Diarra’s weakness while addressing the shortcomings exposed in the first meeting.
“We created a lot of chances; especially two goal-scoring chances that, if taken, would have changed the nature of the game.
“I believe Coach Zdravko [Logarušić] will also have had a fair idea of FC Diara’s weaknesses and also corrected weaknesses shown by the team,” he added.
The defeat leaves Nations FC with work to do, with Kennedy believing that tactical adjustments and greater efficiency in front of goal will be crucial if the team is to respond and progress to the stage of the preliminary round.
The MTN FA Cup champions host their Malian opposition at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Kick-off is set for 15:00 GMT.
