Asante Kotoko have made it three wins out of three in Ghana Premier League under new coach Prosper Ogum Narteh. The Porcupine Warriors are gradually confirming why they are title contenders despite some doubters initially writing them off but what were some of the lessons picked from the cagey encounter at the Dun’s Park in Bibiani on Friday?
AshesGyamera.com’s editor-in-chief, Evans Gyamera-Antwi, has highlighted five major talking points from the game.
Isaac Oppong is the new jewelry
Unlike Stephen Amankonah who has failed to live up to the expectations so far, youngster Isaac Oppong’s performance is in stark contrast to his counterpart further north. Sunyani Neymar, as he is affectionately called by a section of the supporters, has enjoyed a dream start since arriving at Kotoko from third-tier side Bectaro Sasana in Sunyani.
The 18-year-old has been directly involved in five of the six goals scored by Kotoko after three games. He has scored two goals including the winner against Gold Stars on Friday and provided three assists.
When he was handed a start in the away game against Gold Stars, many thought he may struggle but he proved doubters wrong. If Felix Afena-Gyan can be given a call up to Ghana’s senior national team for playing only two games for AS Roma in Serie A, Oppong deserves same. He is a cash cow for Kotoko now then never and needs guidance as well as protections.
Gold Stars have quality to stay up
Although, the debutants lost narrowly to Kotoko at home, it wouldn’t be a surprise to this writer and many people, who watched the game if Gold Stars avoid relegation after the season. The Bibiani-based side have quality and only need to bury the few chances they get especially against the cathedrals of Ghana Premier League.
They bossed the midfield against Kotoko and caused a lot of troubles to the visitors backline. It is now not a surprise that they defeated Berekum Chelsea on opening day and shared the spoils with Medeama away.
Michael Osei is really building one of the fanciest sides in the league and apart from Kotoko and Hearts who may bully their way through in Bibiani, the rest of the clubs may not leave Sefwi with even a point.
Beside, the 25 per cent stadium capacity to be filled by supporters due to Covid-19 protocols doesn’t work in Bibiani – at least we’ve seen the games vs. Chelsea and Kotoko. Therefore, the huge spectatorship during home games will be enough to intimidate away teams since the fans are very close to the action in the facility.
Appau & Agyemang show Mubarik how it is done
Kotoko were not in pitiful shape without their captain Abdul Ganiu Ismail who is on international duties with Ghana. It all amounted to the fact that defender Yussif Mubarik who struggled against Bechem was dropped and Andrew Appau as well as Maxwell Agyemang were handed their debut game of the season.
The duo redeemed themselves and proved that Mubarik’s farcical getaways may not be tolerated by Ogum again as he has been leaning so heavily on Ganiu’s talents to cover his blushes. Kotoko never missed Ganiu nor his partner Mubarik against Gold Stars, as the new pair in central defence showed beyond a doubt how far their individual magnificence papers over the cracks.
Also, Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’ was superb in defensive midfield role. Mudasiru Salifu had been playing this position and although he was struggling, Ogum was adamant to the calls from supporters for a change of roles but when he adhered to the growing concerns, Kotoko had some stability in midfield against Gold Stars. It helped them to grind results from an unfavourable position.
Kotoko must score early goals in games
Prosper Ogum Narteh’s side is getting all the praises for winning their first three games of the season, however, they need to improve in their goal scoring records. According to those who believe in numerology, Kotoko have won their first three games of the season just like they did in 2013/14 where they went on to win the league title.
That season, their midfielder Augustine Okrah had just left the club to join Bechem United and the same thing has happened this time around. Okrah left Kotoko in July and has signed for Bechem.
In spite of this, Kotoko must improve their goal scoring records as they have struggled to hit the back of the net in first halves of the games played so far.
All the six goals scored this season have been after the break and it means that should any club score first against Kotoko, they may struggle to equalise and further win the game.
From Villain to Hero
Razak Abalora came under a lot of criticisms, especially during the dying embers of last season as he conceded some ‘cheap’ goals.
However, he has been one of the most important players this season for Kotoko. Abalora has made some crucial saves especially the last ditch effort from Gold Stars striker Prince Adu to win the day for Kotoko. It is not surprising that he has two clean sheets after three games and supporters are beginning to accept him as their own.
The next home game against Techiman Eleven Wonders at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium will prove whether Kotoko can continue with their incredible start or it was just a nine-day wonder.