Soccer News of Sunday, 19 June 2005

Source: GNA

Kotoko lift Coordination Council charity Cup

Kumasi, June 19, GNA - Kumasi Asante Kotoko beat their city rivals, King Faisal 1-0 to lift the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) Charity Cup match trophy at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday.

The match which was initiated by the Regional Minister, Mr S.K. Boafo is to raise funds to support orphanages and the needy in the society.

Kotoko played a determined game but had to wait until the 81st minute before Aziz Ansah managed to score the match winner through a penalty after substitute Kweku Essien had been brought down in the box. Both teams played it hard but missed clear scoring chances that came their way during the first half.

On resumption of the second half, it was Kotoko who took control of the game and pinned their opponents to their own half forcing them to make mistakes.

Kotoko earned the penalty during one of their forays into the goal area of Faisal when substitute Essien combined beautifully with Ali Ouadrago and in an attempt to score he was fouled in the box and Ansah slotted home the resultant kick to earn Kotoko the match winner. Faisal made last minute efforts to find the equalizer but the defence of Kotoko stood gallantly to ward off their attempts. Mr Boafo presented the trophy to skipper Aziz Ansah amid cheers from the Kotoko supporters.