Nations FC defender Dennis Nkrumah-Korsah is confident the MTN FA Cup holders can overturn their 1-0 first-leg deficit against FC Diarra and progress to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Nations FC suffered a narrow defeat to the Malian side in Bamako in the first leg of the preliminary round, leaving them with a one-goal deficit to overturn when the two sides meet again on Sunday.

The encounter is a significant occasion for Nations FC, who are making their first appearance in continental competition after securing the MTN FA Cup last season.

Despite their relegation from the Ghana Premier League to Division One football, Nations FC have continued their continental campaign and now have an opportunity to advance if they can produce a stronger performance on home soil.

Korsah, who has previous experience of African club competition with Hearts of Oak, believes that experience can help Nations FC approach the fixture with greater confidence. “Of course, experience-wise, we have it and then we are trying to blend with the new ones,” Korsah said ahead of Sunday’s return leg. “We are all working towards that. I think with the experience and the coaches and everyone on board, we believe we can do much better than we did back in Mali.”

Korsah brings considerable experience to the Nations FC squad, having previously played for Hearts of Oak and Ebusua Dwarfs.

The defender was part of the Hearts side that won the Ghana Premier League title in 2021, while he also featured for the Accra-based giants during their campaigns in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup in 2021 and 2022.

His experience of playing on the continent could prove valuable as Nations FC attempt to navigate their way through their first taste of African club competition.

The 1-0 defeat in Bamako means Nations FC must score in the return leg, while keeping FC Diarra from finding the net could significantly improve their chances of progressing.

Korsah believes the difference between playing away from home in Mali and returning to familiar surroundings in Ghana could work in Nations FC’s favour.

“I’ll say yes, because it’s not the kind of players we have. What’s happened over there, coming back home, I think we have the support, we have the experience, as you said, and then I think all the boys are ready. Then we will make sure and then hopefully we qualify for the next one.”
Dennis Nkrumah-Korsah

The defender also highlighted the importance of home support, calling on the club’s supporters to fill the stadium and provide the team with the encouragement needed to overturn the deficit.

For Nations FC, a strong turnout could give the players an additional psychological lift as they seek to extend their historic continental adventure.

“It would be amazing because they would be the number 12 player on the field to help us, push us, encourage us, share with us and then help us, yes, to the next one. I think a full house would be massive for us to achieve what we are searching for.”
Dennis Nkrumah-Korsah

Nations FC therefore head into Sunday’s second leg knowing exactly what is required. A victory by two clear goals would secure progression, while a 1-0 win would leave the tie to be decided according to the competition’s prevailing tie-breaking rules including extra time and potentially penalty shootout.

For Korsah and his teammates, the challenge is to turn their continental experience, home advantage and the backing of their supporters into a performance capable of eliminating Diarra and keeping Nations FC’s African campaign alive.