Caf Champions League: Asante Kotoko midfielder Justice Blay claims qualification is non-negotiable ahead of Etoile du Sahel clash

Asante Kotoko ace Justice Blay says his side's qualification to the group stage of the competition is non-negotiable ahead of the return leg tie against Etoile du Sahel in the Caf Champions League on Friday.

The Porcupine Warriors earned a 2-0 win over the Tunisian giants in the first leg encounter at the Baba Yaea Stadium about a forthright ago.

With Etoile registering a 7-1 win over Hafia FC of Guinea in their last home game following a 2-1 away loss in the first leg in the last round, there are suspicions Kotoko will thumped by the Tunisians.

“This is my first time playing in the Champions League and I have learnt a lot," Blay, who joined Kotoko from Medeama in July, told Oyerepa FM.

"I admit Etoile are a good side but they can’t beat us. We will score in Tunisia, qualification is non-negotiable.

"Should they score, we’ll also score. We’re going to give our best to ensure qualification.”

The winners on aggregate will secure a spot in the group stage of the competition. The losers, on the other hand, drop into the Caf Confederation Cup.

The Reds are eyeing a second straight group stage appearance in continental football, having played in the Confederation Cup last season.