Head coach of Asante Kotoko Charles Akunnor is delighted with the performance of Fatawu Safiu in their CAF Confederation Cup victory over Kariobangi Sharks on Saturday.

Safiu, who joined the Porcupine Warriors ahead of their Africa campaign, was left out of the final squad that travelled to Kenya last weekend after failing to impress coach Akunnor in training.

The 24-year-old, however, repaid his coach's faith after sending the teeming Kumasi crowd at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium into ecstasy mood after fetching the opener for the side in the 18th minute of the match.

The Reds went ahead to claim a 2-1 victory and advanced to the play-offs round of the competition.

“Yes, I was impressed with the way he played. A week ago when we were going to Kenya I was not happy (with him). I came back and sat him down and told him he is going to play this time and this is what I wanted him to do and I must see it from training,” Akunnor said after the game.

“There was a friendly match on Wednesday and he did very well and so he gave me the chance to play him and I think today he did well and scored a fantastic goal when we needed it,” the Kotoko coach added.