The Porcupine Warriors boss has ringed two changes in the squad that lost against King Faisal as they prepare to face Aduana Stars on Saturday
Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has announced a surprising starting line up to face Aduana Stars in the top of the table clash of Ghana Premier League at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa Ahenkro on Saturday.
Following Kotoko’s shocking elimination from the FA Cup in midweek, defender Andrew Appau whose mistake led to the goal has been dropped. In his absence, skipper Abdul Ganiu Ismail takes over and will partner Mubarik Yussif in the heart of defence.
Meanwhile, youngster Augustine Agyapong has been handed his maiden league start for Kotoko to replace Sherrif Mohammed.
However, Cameroonian strikers Etuoga Mbella Frank Thierry and Mfegue George Rodrigues will lead the attack despite their poor showing against Faisal.
Kotoko’s Starting XI:
Ibrahim Danlad (GK), Augustine Agyapong, Imoro Ibrahim, Abdul Ganiyu Ismail, Yussif Mubarik, Richard Boadu, Mudasiru Salifu, Richmond Lamptey, Stephen Amankonah, Georges Mfegue Omgba, Mbella Etouga Thiery
Substitutes
Razak Abalora, Charles Owusu, Andrews Appau, Joseph Amoako, Clinton Opoku, Emmanuel Keyekeh, Evans Adomako, Christopher Nettey, Solomon Sarfo Taylor
Former B.A United chief executive officer Ransford Antwi has called on the leaderships of Aduana Stars and Asante Kotoko to tone down a bit ahead of this weekend’s big game at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa Ahenkro.
According to the CEO of Sunyani-based Suncity Radio, George Gyawu and Nana Yaw Amponsah should spent time on the phone to talk about how the two clubs can sell a good game to local and international football fraternity, with the potential to attract more corporate sponsorships into our game.
He further stressed that Ghana is still in the festive mood and therefore, expects Aduana to welcome the Fabulous Boys to a beautiful reception at Dormaa.
” Since we’re in the festive season, it would be nice for George and his guys to go the extra mile to give their great rivals to a proper reception that will shame the devil’ he said.
Mr. Antwi went further to state that the two big clubs who occupy first and Second positions respectively in the on going GPL owe the football fraternity a great game on Saturday, and has called on both sides to focus on football and the opportunities it can create for our people. They must serve as worthy ambassadors of our beautiful game and not to resort to comments that have the potential to inflame passions and draw a wedge between the two clubs” There are individuals who do not love football and others who do not wish our country well, and these individuals are making inflammatory statements ahead of such a big game, which is a big worry he said.
According to Mr. Antwi, the police and the security apparatus should not hesitate deal with anyone who will attempt to create problems before, during and after the league encounter this weekend. He wished both sides the very best of luck.
The Porcupine Warriors touched down in the Bono regional capital on Thursday evening ahead of their make or break game against Aduana Stars on Saturday in Dormaa Ahenkro
Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has travelled to Sunyani for preparations towards Saturday’s game against Aduana Stars in Dormaa Ahenkro with 22 players.
Following the shocking 1-0 defeat to King Faisal on Wednesday, leading to their elimination from the FA Cup, Kotoko left Kumasi to avoid
As a result, they left to Sunyani to fine tune ahead of the crucial game against Aduana and they are expected to spend two nights before they leave for Dormaa Ahenkro on Saturday morning.
Missing once again from the squad is Brazilian midfielder Fabio Gama, defender Maxwell Agyemang and youngster Isaac Oppong who are currently nursing injuries.
Goalkeeper Kwame Baah was dropped as Ogum picked Razak Abalora and Danlad Ibrahim who was in post against Faisal.
Meanwhile, Cameroonian strikers Etuoga Mbella and Mfegue Rodrigues are available for selection and would likely lead the pack. The duo were very sluggish upfront against Faisal and they would hope to make amends against Aduana.
Kotoko are yet to record a win in Dormaa Ahenkro since Aduana qualified to play in the league in 2009.
Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Razak Abalora Danlad Ibrahim
Defenders: Sherif Mohammed Andrews Kwadwo Appau Yusif Mubarik Abdul Ganiu Ismail Christopher Nettey Imoro Ibrahim Augustine Agyapong Samuel Appiah
Midfielders: Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’ Richmond Lamptey Mudasiru Salifu Emmanuel Keyekeh Charles Owusu Stephen Amankonah Joseph Amoako Clinton Opoku
Strikers:
Etuoga Mbella Frank Thierry Mfegue Rodrigues Georges Solomon Sarfo Taylor Evans Adomako
The Porcupine Warriors skipper has admitted his disappointment following their shocking elimination from the FA Cup but assures the supporters with the league title
Asante Kotoko captain Abdul Ganiu Ismail has pleaded with the club’s teeming supporters following the painful defeat to King Faisal in the round of 64 of the FA Cup on Wednesday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Kotoko are now out of the FA Cup and would have to challenge Aduana Stars, King Faisal, Bechem United and Hearts of Oak to the Premier League trophy or risk going trophyless for the second season on a row.
The defeat has raised a lot concerns about the team’s performance and tactical prowess of head coach Prosper Ogum Narteh who arrived at the club recently to replace Portuguese manager Mariano Baretto.
“We are not happy about our exit from the FA Cup,” Ganiu told his club media.
“We will work harder and keenly contest for the GPL trophy. Together We Build,” he added.
Kotoko, who sit second on the log, will travel to Dormaa Ahenkro on Saturday to battle with Aduana Stars who sit at the summit of the Premier League table in the top of the table clash.
The Porcupine Warriors chief believes all is not lost despite their elimination from the Cup competition which has left them with only the Premier League title to fight for this season
Asante Kotoko board member Evelyn Nsiah Asare has responded to criticism directed at the club’s top hierarchy in the wake of their FA Cup defeat by to city rivals King Faisal, insisting that they will bounce back.
A first half goal from diminutive midfielder Baba Yahaya, after he benefited from Andrew Appau’s mistake, helped Faisal to record a back-to-back victory over Kotoko in December.
The results have raised concerns about the club’s title challenge this season after going trophyless last term but the board member believes even Spanish giants Barcelona are recently facing troubles therefore all is not lost.
“Krobea is out of FA Cup and so what?” she quizzed.
“Bacelona is out of Champions League, I do not think their supporters or the team is dead. You can say all that you want, we are still a great family and we will be back.
“I sleep Krobea, I eat Krobea na my everything is Krobea,” she added.
Krobea is out of FA Cup and so what? Bacelona is out of Champions League, I do not think their supporters or the team is dead. You can say all that you want, we are still a great Family and we will be back. I sleep Krobea, I eat Krobea na my everything is Krobea pic.twitter.com/XwZRGgysEr
Kotoko, who sit second on the Ghana Premier League log with 20 points, will head to Dormaa Ahenkro this weekend to face leaders Aduana Stars in the top of the table clash. The two clubs have same points.
Kotoko have one outstanding game against Hearts of Oak due to the latter’s participation in Caf Confederation Cup and the date for it will be communicated later by Ghana Football Association.
King Faisal’s supporters PRO Saani on Prosper Ogum Narteh
The Porcupine Warriors’ 1-0 defeat at the hands of King Faisal on Wednesday means the manager’s time at Baba Yara Sports Stadium looks set to come under all types of scrutiny
King Faisal supporters spokesperson Saani Mohammed has insisted that Asante Kotoko coach Dr Prosper Ogum Narteh is “overated” and not good as their rivals suggest after a back-to-back victory on Wednesday.
Fasial defeated Kotoko 1-0 to eliminate their city rivals from the FA Cup in th round of 64 thanks to a Baba Yahaya’s first half goal.
“With all due respect, Kotoko coach Dr Prosper Ogum Narteh is an overhyped and overrated coach,” Saani told AshesGyamera.com in an interview.
“He needs to learn more tactics because he is just not good as their supporters want to portray. He lacks a lot and we clearly exposed him once again.
“We defeated Kotoko 3-2 in the league bit they claimed a lot of their players didn’t play part due to injuries and suspension and that affected them. Today, these players were present yet we won so I don’t know the excuses they will come up with once again.
“Ogum is renowned lecturer but just a normal coach. He can’t match the tactical brain of Nurudeen Amadu because the latter has defeated him twice on a row,” he added.
Saani further advised Kotoko’s top hierarchy to learn how to stop Aduana Stars at home from King Faisal since they were able to shock the Dormaa Ahenkro-based club in front of their intimidating supporters.
“King Faisal hold the key to stop Aduana Stars in Dormaa Ahenkro. We are the only side that have beaten them in front of their supporters so Kotoko should humble themselves and we will show them the way to pick even a point in Dormaa Ahenkro.
“Without our help, there is no way Kotoko can pick a favourable scoreline against Aduana Stars. We are ready to help only if they will accept it,” he added.
The Porcupine Warriors gaffer has admitted that he is worried by his players recurring injury situations ahead of the two most important games of the campaign
Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh says he is worried by his side’s niggling injury situations after they defeated WAFA 1-0 on matchday ten of Ghana Premier League.
Kotoko went into the game without Mudasiru Salifu, Maxwell Agyemang, Isaac Oppong, Samuel Boateng and Christopher Nettey who were all ruled out due to ill health.
https://youtu.be/IWLwBBd70V0
Highlights of Asante Kotoko vs WAFA
Meanwhile, skipper Abdul Ganiu Ismail did not play a part of the game due to suspension.
“The injury situation at Kotoko is alarming, almost all my starters are injured. Agyemang, Ganiu, Mudasiru, Oppong, Boateng, Nettey, and others,” Ogum said after the game.
“It hurts and it’s not helping matters but it won’t help to keep complaining. For example, we got a maximum of three points today.
“Is that not what’s more important? I am okay, the main reason for playing a league match is to get three points and Kotoko had it against Wafa.
“We’re hoping that they will recover on time to help us in the subsequent games. We have to be ready for the FA Cup [against King Faisal] and league game [against Aduana Stars] in Dormaa Ahenkro,” he added.
With Aduana tied on the same points with Kotoko on the log, the game in Dormaa promises to be very crucial as it may go a long way to play a role in who wins the league title at the end of the season.
Ghana Premier League matchday ten took place over the weekend as Asante Kotoko made it two wins in a row with a 1-0 victory over WAFA at home thanks to a second half strike by Richmond Lamptey.
Elsewhere in Bechem, in-form Augustine Okrah ended King Faisal’s four-game unbeaten run as Bechem moved three points within first position.
https://youtu.be/WbvQq_Fa4tM
In Tarkwa, it took a late goal by Amed ‘Simba’ Toure to give Medeama a narrow victory over Aduana Stars as the Dormaa Ahenkro-based club’s give game winning streak came to an end.
Bibiani Gold Stars compounded the woes of Karela United as they hammered the Ainyinase outfit 3-1 at the Dun’s Park.
SCORES AT A GLANCE:
DAWU: Dreams FC 2-2 Hearts Of Oak
Scorers: Ibrahim Issah, Ishmael Dede || Daniel Afriyie Barnieh, Salim Adams
Man of the Match: Ishmael Dede (Dreams FC)
TARKWA: Medeama SC 1-0 Aduana FC
Scorer: Ahmed Toure
Man of the Match: Ahmed Toure (Medeama)
SOGAKOPE: Great Olympics 2-0 Eleven Wonders
Scorers: Yussif Abdul Razak, James Akaminko
Man of the Match: James Akaminko (Great Olympics)
BIBIANI: Bibiani Gold Stars 3-1 Karela United
Scorers: Prince Owusu Kwabena(pen), Charles Kamara Gyamfi, Nuhu Sule | | Umar Bashiru (pen)
Man of the Match: Nuhu Sule (Gold Stars)
BEREKUM: Berekum Chelsea 1-0 AshantiGold SC
Scorer: Stephen Anokye Badu
Man of the Match: Jackson Owusu (Berekum Chelsea)
BECHEM: Bechem United 1-0 King Faisal
Scorer: Augustine Okrah
Man of the Match: Clinton Duodu (Bechem United)
KUMASI: Asante Kotoko 1-0 WAFA SC
Scorer: Richmond Lamptey
Man of the Match: Richard Boadu (Asante Kotoko)
MONDAY ELMINA: Elmina Sharks vs Legon Cities
SOGAKOPE: Accra Lions vs RTU
BASIC STATS: Games played – 7 Home wins – 6 Away Wins – 0 Draws – 1 Goals – 14 Goals scored by Home teams – 11 Goals scored by away teams – 3 Goal/game – 2 Home wins % –85.71%
TOP SCORERS‘ CHART David Abagna (RTU) – 8 Maxwell Nii Abbey-Quaye (Great Olympics) – 7 Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Dreams FC ) – 6 Augustine Okrah (Bechem) – 6
The midfielder was at his best once again as the Hunters snatched a narrow victory against the Inshallah Boys
Bechem United defeated King Faisal 1-0 in Ghana Premier League matchday ten fixture at the Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem on Sunday.
Ahead of the game, the visitors had gone four league games without a defeat and were joint top leaders on the table alongside Aduana Stars.
It was Bechem who had the first shot on target by the third minute but goalkeeper Abdul Jabal Adams saved the situation.
Zubeiru Ibrahim and Ibrahim Wayo combined to set up Osman Ibrahim on the 22nd minute but the striker who is on loan from Asante Kotoko could not send his effort on target.
Back from recess, Bechem brought on Hafiz Wontah Konkoni for Emmanuel Annor and that changed the tempo of the game. Konkoni was marking his return from injury following a career-threatening injury he sustained against Hearts of Oak on May 12, 2021.
The former Legon Cities striker combined with Clinton Duodo to set up Emmanuel Avornyo but the latter shot wide.
However, Okrah was at the right place at the right time with barely ten minutes remaining and the forward connected a pass to score the opening goal.
Although, he came close to add another three minutes later, his goal-bound shot was blocked by Pius Baffour.
Okrah has now scored six league goals after ten games and provided three assists
The Porcupine Warriors have made it two wins on a row as they’ve now moved to the top of the log despite having a game at hand
Asante Kotoko defeated West African Football Academy 1-0 on matchday nine of Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.
After the 2-1 away win over Legon Cities last weekend, coach Prosper Ogum Narteh opted to make four changes in the squad that started the game in Dawu.
With captain Abdul Ganiu Ismail suspended and Maxwell Agyemang ruled out due to ill health, Andrews Appau and Yussif Mubarik came on for the duo respectively.
Also, Richard Boadu who missed the Legon game due to suspension returned and took over the box-to-box midfield duties from Mudasiru Salifu who was out through sickness.
Meanwhile, Brazilian midfielder Fabio Gama also came in for Emmanuel Keyekeh.
After a pulsating twenty minutes, Kotoko were awarded a penalty after goalkeeper Osei Kwadwo Bonsu challenged Mfegue in the box. However, the referee rescinded his decision.
The decision didn’t go down well with a section of the Kotoko supporters who voiced out their frustrations.
After the break, Kotoko pressed harder to break down WAFA’s defence but all their attempts were neutralised.
However, Richmond Lamptey found a opening in WAFA’s backline by the 60th minute and broke the deadlock after a nice build up.
https://youtu.be/WbvQq_Fa4tM
Kotoko could have doubled their advantage but Cameroonian striker Etuoga Mbella Frank Thierry was very selfish upfront as he failed to make count the numerous chances that came his way.
WAFA nearly snatched the equaliser by the 88th minute but goalkeeper Razak Abalora saved the situation with a wonderful save.
Kotoko have moved top joint of the Ghana Premier League table with 20 points, same points with Aduana Stars and King Faisal.
Kotoko will travel to Dormaa Ahenkro on matchday eleven for the top of the table clash against Aduana Stars.
