Asante Kotoko were at the losing end for the first time in the GFA Normalization Committee’s Special competition as the week 2 games were brought to an end.
A heavy rainfall nearly marred the crunch encounter but referee Maxwell Hanson and his officials irrespective of the delay signaled the commencement of the game.
With the recent report that striker Sogne Yacuba wants to leave and the betting rumour by some players, coach Charles Kwobilah Akunnor had to play Abdul Fatawu as his leading max man. Captain Amos Frimpong who had been operating on either flanks was pushed into the center back role as he paired Ishmael Ganiyu. Regular center back Emmanuel Agyemang Badu was shifted into the defensive midfield role as Kwame Boahene was handed his debut start for the porcupines.
Kotoko showed their instinct by creating positive chances through speed star Emmanuel Gyamfi as he was put through by right back Augustine Sefah but his first control was poor forcing him to send the ball of the cross bar. Shortly afterwards, Medeama goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi was called to action as he was able to deny Abdul Fatawu scoring from his near post after going pass his defender Bright Enchil.
The mauve and yellows warmed themselves into the game and started pinning and pressing Kotoko into their own half. It did pay of in the 35th minute when Kotoko defender Abass Mohammed handled Rashid Nortey’s goal-bound header on the line awarding a penalty to the home side and also receiving his matching orders as he was shown a straight red card by referee Hanson. Kwame Boateng a former player for Kotoko stood up and slotted the ball pass kotoko’s goalkeeper Felix Annan.
C.K. Akunnor and his charges came back into the 2nd half with a vibirant and spirited mood and nearly won a penalty minutes later when Abdul Fatawu was brought down in the area by Samuel Appiah but the referee waved it of. Right back Augustine Sefah sent in an inswinger into the area of Medeama but it was headed wide by Emmanuel Gyamfi.
Medeama also created a few chances with the better one falling on the path of Tahiru Awudu whose first glance shot went wide of the post. Both teams failed to create decent chances in the closing 15 minutes.
The defeat place Kotoko 4th in their zone whiles Medeama are lying second with a game against Brekum Chelsea in hand.
Kotoko will be away to Eleven Wonders in Techiman whiles Medeama square off against former Black stars,Fulham and Kaiser chiefs assistant coach John Paintsil’s Stallion FC formerly Was All stars.
Evans Odei Gyamfi
