Soccer News of Wednesday, 14 December 2005

Source: GNA

Kotoko for finals in the Otumfuo Invitational Soccer Tournament

Kumasi, Dec 14, GNA - Kumasi Asante Kotoko beat King Faisal 1-0 to qualify for the finals of the Otumfuo Invitational Cup match played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Wednesday. Kotoko, who gained automatic qualification to the semi-finals scored the only goal through Aziz Ansah 24 seconds after the kick-off under the instructions of referee Vivian Aggor. Kotoko nearly made it two in the sixth minute but Ahmed Toure's powerful shot went off target.

Faisal accepted the challenge and fought tooth and nail to get the equalizer but Amoako Agyemang's shot in the 15th minute went off target. They continued to pile pressure on Kotoko but the defence stood gallantly and warded off their moves. With the heat still on Kotoko, Habib Mohammed's free kick just behind the box was wasted in the 36th minute with Shilla Illiasu also missing a glaring chance during the added time. Both teams resumed the second half strongly and it was still Faisal who continued to dominate the game with inter-positional and accurate passes making Kotoko players to chase their shadows. Faisal besieged Kotoko's territory most of the time, forcing them to fall back to defend the lone goal.

Kotoko came out from their shell but Faisal, playing their hearts out, were able to ward off Kotoko's attempts to increase the tally. The last opportunity for Faisal to level up was wasted in the 85th minute when Kwabena Poku's powerful header sailed over the bar. Faisal's Habib Mohammed was adjudged the best player and was presented with a 20-inch colour television set. The tournament continues on Thursday with ASFA Yennega of Burkina Faso playing Nigeria's Eyimba FC in another semi-final encounter.