Asante Kotoko coach Mas-Ud Dramani

By Ameenu Shardow

Coach Mas-Ud Dramani insists Asante Kotoko will not underrate Sony Nguema despite admitting the draw was kind to his side.

The Ghanaian champions are making a return to the CAF Champions League after a three year absence.

They have however been drawn against the relatively unknown Equatorial Guinean side in the first preliminary round of the continental competition.

Kotoko’s kind draw has seen many of its supporters take on a bullish attitude ahead of the tie to be played in February next year.

But coach Dramani though admitting to the ‘easy’ draw says Sony Nguema will not be underrated.

“I think the draw was fair to us but they (Sony Nguema) will not be a cheap side,” he told GHANAsoccernet.com.

“They have been around for some time now and at this stage every team is a formidable side.

“We have to remain focused and prepare very well for the match.”

Dramani recognized playing the first leg at home provides his team a fine opportunity to kill the tie before the return encounter.

“We are lucky we are playing at home because it lifts the pressure off the boys for the second leg,” he adds.

“So if we are able to get a good result, it will ease the pressure and tension in the team for the away game.”

Kotoko will host Nguema on February 17 before travelling to Malabo for the return encounter a fortnight after.