Medeama SC head coach Ibrahim Tanko says he is satisfied with his team’s winning start to pre-season after the Ghana Premier League champions beat newly promoted Ivorian Ligue 1 side Yamoussoukro FC 2-1 in Cote d’Ivoire.
The friendly was Medeama’s first match as they prepare for a demanding 2026/27 campaign. The Tarkwa-based club will compete in the Ghana Premier League, the MTN FA Cup and the CAF Champions League this season.
Although Tanko welcomed the result, he viewed the match primarily as an important opportunity for his players to gain experience and build their fitness ahead of competitive action.
The former Ghana international was encouraged by the effort and commitment shown by the squad during the game. He also stressed that every member of the team would have a chance to make an impression before the new season begins.
Medeama have added several quality players to their squad as they look to strengthen their prospects at domestic and continental level. The club’s preparations are particularly focused on their return to the CAF Champions League, where they will meet Congolese giants TP Mazembe in the preliminary round.
The Ghanaian champions are aiming to improve on their first appearance in the group stage of the competition during the 2023/24 campaign. Their meeting with TP Mazembe will provide an early test of Medeama’s ability to compete against one of Africa’s most established clubs.
Tanko has made it clear that his plans extend beyond assembling a preferred starting line-up. The Medeama coach wants to develop a deep and competitive squad capable of competing across several competitions, rather than depending on only 11 regular starters.
That approach will be important during a season in which Medeama face the demands of domestic league football, the MTN FA Cup and the CAF Champions League. The club’s recruitment drive and pre-season programme are intended to give Tanko a wider range of options as the campaign progresses.
Medeama won their second Ghana Premier League title last season after collecting 62 points. They finished two points clear of Bibiani Gold Stars, securing another opportunity to represent Ghana in Africa’s leading club competition.
The victory over Yamoussoukro FC gives Medeama an encouraging early result, but Tanko’s focus remains on ensuring the squad continues to develop before the season starts. The club will hope that the lessons from their opening friendly, together with their new signings and preparation in Cote d’Ivoire, can help them mount another successful challenge at home and in continental competition.
