By Patrick Akoto
Aduana Stars assistant coach Ben Zola has charged his players to 'man up' against Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca in the crucial return leg Caf Champions League preliminary round tie.
The Dormaa-based side must overturn a huge 3-0 defeat from the first leg.
The Ghanaian champions must to replicate miraculous feats achieved by giants Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko in Africa Inter-clubs competitions.
Hearts produced an awe-inspiring 45 minute spell in the second half courtesy a brace from heroes Anas Seidu and Peter Lamptey to spank Zambian side Mighty Mufulira Wanderers in the famous "1977 miracle of El-Wak" despite losing the first leg 5-2 in Lusaka.
Ten years on, rivals Kotoko offered something even more dramatic and spectacular with a 5-1 win over Egyptian powerhouse Zamalek after losing the first leg 2-0 and conceded the first goal in the second leg at the Baba Yara stadium.
Zola wants the new crop of players to believe and pass the litmus test.
"We know the tie is very difficult but we believe we can beat them and qualify to the next stage. We need to score many goals and that’s what we’ve been working on since we came back," Zola said.
WAC have confirmed their arrival on Friday.