Swedru All Blacks hope to ride on Coach Mingle's experience to beat Nations FC

Swedru All Blacks are banking on the insider knowledge of their new head coach, Kassim Mingle, as they prepare for a pivotal MTN FA Cup Round of 16 showdown against his former club, Nations FC.

The match, scheduled for Saturday, February 7, in Kumasi, will see Mingle face the team he managed earlier this season. All Blacks Public Relations Officer Nathaniel Obeng expressed confidence that this unique advantage will be key to their chances of advancing to the quarterfinals.

"It’s a big game. Ironically, the coach who was handling them – Nations FC when we played them earlier this season – is now our head coach," Obeng told Citi Sports.

"We believe that he knows and has pretty good knowledge about Nations FC, their players, their style of play, so we are very optimistic that we will be able to go there and defend our badge."

Obeng acknowledged the challenge ahead but emphasized the team's dual goals of progression and entertainment. "Whenever we meet [Nations FC], it’s a tough game, and we hope to serve our football public with some good football on the day at Abrankese, and eventually All Blacks will secure qualification to the next round," he said.

The fixture presents an early opportunity for Coach Mingle to make his mark and justify the club's faith in his appointment, as Swedru All Blacks aim to secure a significant cup victory against formidable opposition.