Ghana legend Abedi Pele said his Nania FC side, respects both Accra Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko in the Ghanaian game, and hopes they grow to be like them.
The former Black Stars captain, guided his National Division One League (DOL), side to victory over Hearts of Oak on Wednesday to progress to the next stage of the MTN FA Cup competition at the expense of the top-flight side.
Nania FC, won 4-3 on penalties after a goalless stalemate, at Hearts’ Pobiman Sports Stadium, where they also train.
And, Abedi Pele said, they were fortunate to have come out of this tie against the former African champions, who missed a host of chances on the day.
“We respect the two biggest clubs (Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak) in Ghana, and we want to be like them”, Pele said after the game.
In 2011, he helped Nania FC win the competition after beating Asante Kotoko in the final at the Accra Sports Stadium, becoming the first lower tier side to win the trophy.
“The two clubs, have achieved a lot and done very well for Ghana football, and we aspire to be like them”, Abedi Pele said.
He added: “We will build on this performance against Hearts of Oak, and I have confidence in the boys to reach very far in this year’s competition.”
Nania FC are through to the Round of 32, and they will strive to win a second trophy in this competition this season.