Soccer News of Monday, 30 May 2005

Source: GNA

Kotoko beat AGAZA to win SWAG Cup

Kumasi, May 30, GNA - Kumasi Asante Kotoko put up a splendid performance to beat AGAZA Omnisport of Togo 2-1 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Saturday to lift this year's Sports Writers Association Ghana (SWAG) challenge cup donated by the State Insurance Company (SIC). The SIC sponsored match was in honour of Henry Plange Nyametei, one of the nation's most efficient soccer administrators and one time Chairman of the association.

Kotoko who are the defending champions, won the Cup for keeps in 2003 when they beat Liberty Professionals 2-1 having won the cup two times previously.

AGAZA, the first international club to participate in the competition scored first through Aziazi Yao Kue in their only attempt at goal in the 51st minute after a goalless first half.

Kotoko who had out-played their opponents from the commencement of the game squandered many begging scoring chances to the annoyance of their teeming supporters but they atoned for their misses and drew level in the 58th minute through fast improving George Yamoah who hit the roof of the net with a powerful drive.

Kenneth Ababio scored the match winner for Kotoko in the 72nd minute in a goal mouth melee.

AGAZA did all that they could to redeem the goal but the strong defence of Kotoko stood gallantly until referee Macarthy of Cape Coast whistled for the end of the match which was played under floodlights.