Medeama SC head coach Ibrahim Tanko has described his side’s opening preseason friendly as a positive step after the Ghana Premier League champions defeated Ivorian outfit Yammoussoukro FC 2-1 on Wednesday evening.
The match, played at the School Scientific de Yammoussoukro in Côte d’Ivoire, marked the first game of Medeama’s preseason tour as they intensify preparations for the 2026-27 campaign, where they will compete both in the Ghana Premier League and the CAF Champions League.
Goals from Abdul Salam and new signing Dominic Amponsah secured victory for the Yellow and Mauves, who are using the training camp to improve fitness, integrate new arrivals and build momentum ahead of the new season.
The victory also continued a familiar preseason routine for the Tarkwa-based club. Before lifting last season’s Ghana Premier League title, Medeama held their preparations in Côte d’Ivoire, and the club has returned this year hoping the environment once again provides the ideal platform for another successful campaign.
Medeama’s preseason schedule includes additional high-profile friendlies against some of Côte d’Ivoire’s strongest clubs, including ASEC Mimosas and SOA Academy, giving Tanko’s squad the opportunity to test themselves against quality opposition before competitive football resumes.
Tanko Pleased With Opening Performance
Despite acknowledging there is plenty of work ahead, Tanko expressed satisfaction with his team’s display in their first outing of preseason.
“I think it was a very good game. This is the first game, like you said, in Abidjan and we managed to win 2-1. I think, like I said, first game we have to watch the video and then look at the mistakes and the positives that we have done and then keep on working.”
Ibrahim Tanko, Medeama SC Head Coach
The former Ghana international believes the friendly provided valuable lessons while also highlighting encouraging signs from his players.
Tanko was particularly pleased with the attitude shown by the squad, stressing that every player is determined to earn a place in the team ahead of a demanding season.
“You could see that all of them are eager to give their best and those who played today did very well. We still have four games to play. Everyone will have his chance and then definitely we are going to have a very strong side among them.”
Ibrahim Tanko
Building A Squad Ready For Domestic And Continental Football
Medeama have been among the busiest clubs in the transfer market as they seek to strengthen a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
The club has recruited several experienced and promising players, including Sudanese goalkeeper Monged Abuzaid Salman, midfielder Etse Dogli, forwards Dominic Amponsah, Emmanuel Boateng and Emmanuel Annor, as well as Yaya Abdul-Raman, Usman Safianu and Ebenezer Adade.
The additions are expected to increase competition across the squad as Tanko looks to build depth for the league and the CAF Champions League, where fixture congestion and quality opposition will demand strength beyond the starting eleven.
Tanko also explained why Medeama chose to return to Côte d’Ivoire for another preseason camp, pointing to the excellent training conditions and positive experience from the previous campaign.
“I think in terms of pitches or in terms of the atmosphere, definitely one of the best because we were here last season. That’s why we also came back and I think everything is going fine. We hope that it will go through the pre-season without any injury.”
Ibrahim Tanko, Medeama SC Head Coach
The coach emphasized that the objective is not simply to prepare a first-choice team but to create a competitive squad in which every player is capable of making an impact.
“They should start preparing. Definitely we are here to prepare for the league and then the Champions League. Like I said, we are trying to build a very, very formidable team and not only those who are starting but those who sit on the bench and even those who do not get into the squad.”
Ibrahim Tanko
As anticipation builds ahead of the new season, Tanko called on Medeama supporters to continue backing the team throughout their preparations. “We are working so they should just keep on praying for us.”
With four more friendly matches still to come in Côte d’Ivoire, including tests against established Ivorian sides, Medeama will continue refining their tactics, integrating their new signings and building the chemistry required for what promises to be another demanding campaign at both the domestic and continental levels.
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