Ghanaian winger Kwaku Osei Bonsu had a first taste of the South Champions league when his team, FC Caracas, hosted Argentina giants Boca Juniors in the opening match of the Copa Libertadores in Group H.
Osei Bonsu joined to Venezuela side Caracas FC in the January transfer window after excellent performances for Slovakia side FK Senica. According to him, the opportunity to play in the Copa Libertadores was a key influence in his decision to join the South America club.
"It wasn't easy for me to decide a move from Europe to South American, because it's a every footballer's dream to play in Europe. But once I was convinced that Caracas was a great club, the prospects of playing in the Copa Libertadores became a deciding factor," he said.
On the 4th of March, Caracas engage Boca Juniors in their opening game at the Estadio Olimpico. Bonsu started from the bench on the back of an injury he had sustained a week before in a league match.
He continued, "I had just returned from an injury so I wasn't 100 percent fit, and this was a huge game for us. We needed to start on a good note. The number of attendance was incredible. I had never see anything like that. It was obviously inspired by Boca Juniors."
"Coming on against a historic club like Borca Juniors felt surreal. We conceded early in the first half, but still managed to dominant possession and mustered the courage to have a go at them."
"Once we got the equaliser in the second half in the 55th minute, the pendulum swung to our side, which gave us the momentum and elevated our confidence to create more chances."
"I was introduced in the 85th minute to add some bite to the attack. I heard the loud cheers from the fans, urging me on when I was making my way to the field. They were elated. Our fans have become used to success on the domestic front. They really want us to make a mark on the Copa Libertadores. Their activities and attendance tells us how much this competition means to them"
"The 1-1 result for me was not a true reflection of the game. Both teams had numerous opportunities to win but failed to take their chances. We were quite lucky when Boca Juniors missed a glorious chance to take the three maximum."
"On a personal note, I'm happy to have played a part for my team despite the disappointing outcome. I believe I can contribute a bit more in subsequent games"
As is the case across the World, the Venezuela league has been suspended as a result of the Global Coronavirus pandemic. Bonsu says he has a schedule of personal training exercises that keeps him healthy and fit at home
"I train everyday in my room to maintain my fitness level. But I've got to admit that it's not the same as having a session with teammates. Now we have to think about our health, to ensure that people stay home and stay safe. There's no football without fans.," he concluded.