Kumasi Asante Kotoko, yesterday beat Prestea Mine Stars, 2-0 in their outstanding league match played at the Kumasi Stadium. But for the sense of good anticipation, bravery and determination exhibited by goalkeeper Awuah, Mine Stars would have returned to Prestea carrying a basketfull of goals.
When the match got underway, the porcupine warriors, initiated series of attack, pinning the Miners to their own half on most occasions and came close to scoring in the third minute, but Stephen Oduro’s power-laden shot was beautifully saved by Awuah.
The anxiety of Kotoko to open the floodgates affected their play, making them to commit elementary mistakes and wasting glorious chances. After a series of misses by the Kotoko attackers, Stephen Oduro (in pic) managed to open the scores for his side in the 24th minute.
It was Aziz Ansah, who initiated the attack at the right flank, and after sliding past two defenders, sent a beautiful pass to Nana Arhin Duah. The attacker also dived past an opponent before floating a lovely one to unmarked Oduro.
The diminutive midfielder met the ball with a header which grazed the foot of a defender before rolling into the net for the opening goal.
A minute later the Miners nearly equalised, but a beautiful header by Isaac Osei Asibey hit the crossbar and bounced back into play to the relief of Kotoko. The second half saw the two teams making frantic efforts to score with Kotoko slightly on top. In one of their moves, Nana Arhin Duah who proved too slippery was hacked down in the box and Class One referee, Ebenezer Ferguson whistled for a penalty. Godwin Ablordey who elected himself for the kick planted the ball beautifully in the net.
Kotoko supporters demonstrated after the match. They called on the Asantehene to dissolve the Kotoko Board of Directors established a few months ago to assist in running Kotoko. They threatened some board members not to come to Kumasi. Police cum Military reinforcement had to be sent to the stadium to control the fans after the match.
German coach, Ernst Middendorp received a standing ovation when he entered the stadium, indicating a possible end to his career with the club.
Chief Executive Officer of Kotoko Herbert Mensah and two others - Haruna Mohammed and Kwabena Yeboah - escaped serious injuries in a head on-collision with another car on their way to Kumasi for the match with Mine Stars. The accident happened as the oncoming car swerved into their lane. Their Mercedes Benz car is reported damaged beyond repair.
KOTOKO Line-up: Osei Boateng, Aziz Ansah, Godfred Yeboah, Dan Acquah, Joe Hendricks, Godwin Ablordey (captain), Joe Sam, Michael Osei/Joe Louis, Nana Arhin Duah/Kwaku Duah, Nana Frimpong/Joe Okyere, Stephen Oduro
