AFRICAN CUP WINNERS CUP FINAL
By Osasu Obayiuwana BBC Sport Online

Sacked by Bundesliga club Vfl Bochum in February, Ralf Zumdick would not have thought he could possibly manage Asante Kotoko, one of Africa's biggest clubs, to a continental title.

But victory in Sunday's African Cup Winners Cup final against Wydad Casablanca of Morocco could end a remarkable chapter in the year of the German coach.

"Winning the trophy for Kotoko on home soil would be a high point in my career," Zumdick told BBC Sport Online from Kumasi.

Kumasi, Ghana's second biggest city, is the home of the 'Porcupine Warriors,' as Kotoko are popularly known.

The revered King of the Asantes, one of Africa's oldest monarchies, is the life patron of the club.

Fans expects nothing less than victory and the coach is aware of the expectations he must meet.

"I know that Asante Kotoko is more than a football club. It is like a religion for the supporters.

"We have a challenge to show that Kotoko is back in Africa," he said.

Zumdick's fortunes in Ghana are a stark contrast to his nightmarish stint with Bochum.

Unable to lift the team from the bottom of the Bundesliga table, Zumdick was sacked to make way for veteran trainer Rolf Schafstall.

Kotoko have not won in Africa since 1983

But that has become a distant memory, as satisfying the African Cup dreams of Kotoko fans is his immediate task.

Kotoko were African club champions in 1970 and 1983 but have not won a continental title since.

"People are hungry for this Cup and we will do our best to win," said Zumdick.

But Kotoko must overcome a 1-0 loss to Wydad in the first leg in Casablanca.

"Wydad is a solid, professional side and we have to be careful. If they score one goal, we'll need three to win the Cup.

"But they are playing us on our ground and we have the advantage."

The providence of home support could make the German coach the toast of Kumasi.

Follow our live coverage of Asante Kotoko v Wydad Casablanca from 1400 GMT Sunday