Dreams FC defeated Elmina Sharks 3-1 at the Nduom Sports Stadium to pick their first win of the season on Sunday.
The Still Believe lads made two changes in their setup and recovered from a painful 3-1 defeat to inflict the same scoreline against Sharks.
After a pulsating opening exchanges, Agyenim Boateng sent Dreams FC ahead by the 24th minute after a wonderful build up play.
Two minutes later, Dreams were up by two goals after Karikari latched onto a through ball to shot his side further ahead.
After the break, Elmina Sharks pulled one back from the spot through Adu-Kwaw Boadi after his teammate was brought down in the penalty box.
However, Dreams restored their two-goal leas deep in the game through Ghana international Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.
The youngster perfectly sent in a free-kick to send his tally to two goals in two games as he also scores against Kotoko on opening day.
Issahaku will now switch his attention to international assignment as he has been named in Ghana’s squad for the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and South Africa next week.
Asante Kotoko left it late to defeat Bechem United 2-0 on matchday two of Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday
The Porcupine Warriors boss maintained the starting line up that defeated Dreams FC on opening day while Bechem United made one change in their squad that annihilated Medeama at home. Latif Anabila came in for Abdul Karim who saw red card to tighten the midfield.
After an early exchanges, chances began to fall for both sides.
Emmanuel Avornyo was presented with the biggest chance of the game by the ninth minute as he came on on one with Razak Abalora but the lanky striker could not round him.
Ten minutes later, Kotoko’s Samuel Boateng was played through by Fabio Gama but the striker was unable to beat goalkeeper Abdulai Iddrisu with his shot.
Kotoko were forced to make a substitution by the 33rd minute after defender Patrick Asmah fell down and signalled that he cannot continue. Imoro Ibrahim was brought on to fill the void.
Richmond Lamptey was provided with the first chance after the break but the midfielder skied his effort on the 49th minute.
Augustine Okrah had the opportunity to break the deadlock at the other end two minutes. The Bechem forward went past goalkeeper Razak Abalora but his last ditch effort was cleared of the line by Yussif Mubarik.
On the 75th minute, Okrah combined with Avornyo to create an opening in Kotoko’s defence but the latter’s shot was too feeble to cause a threat to goalkeeper Abalora.
Asante Kotoko were awarded a penalty after Isaac Oppong was heckled in the box. Ismail Abdul Ganiu stepped up and sent the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Iddrisu.
86' min: Abdul Ganiu Ismail put Kotoko in front from the spot. Kotoko 1-0 Bechem United pic.twitter.com/kPBNb8IhUy
The Porcupine Warriors have made it two wins in a row and now see themselves at the summit of the league log
Asante Kotoko defeated Bechem United 2-0 in matchday two of Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The Porcupine Warriors boss maintained the starting line up that defeated Dreams FC on opening day while Bechem United made one change in their squad that annihilated Medeama at home. Latif Anabila came in for Abdul Karim who saw red card to tighten the midfield.
After an early exchanges, chances began to fall for both sides.
Emmanuel Avornyo was presented with the biggest chance of the game by the ninth minute as he came on on one with Razak Abalora but the lanky striker could not round him.
Ten minutes later, Kotoko’s Samuel Boateng was played through by Fabio Gama but the striker was unable to beat goalkeeper Abdulai Iddrisu with his shot.
Kotoko were forced to make a substitution by the 33rd minute after defender Patrick Asmah fell down and signalled that he cannot continue. Imoro Ibrahim was brought on to fill the void.
Richmond Lamptey was provided with the first chance after the break but the midfielder skied his effort on the 49th minute.
Augustine Okrah had the opportunity to break the deadlock at the other end two minutes. The Bechem forward went past goalkeeper Razak Abalora but his last ditch effort was cleared of the line by Yussif Mubarik.
On the 75th minute, Okrah combined with Avornyo to create an opening in Kotoko’s defence but the latter’s shot was too feeble to cause a threat to goalkeeper Abalora.
Asante Kotoko were awarded a penalty after Isaac Oppong was heckled in the box. Ismail Abdul Ganiu stepped up and sent the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Iddrisu.
86' min: Abdul Ganiu Ismail put Kotoko in front from the spot. Kotoko 1-0 Bechem United pic.twitter.com/kPBNb8IhUy
Hello and welcome to the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for the much anticipated Ghana Premier League game between Asante Kotoko and Bechem United.
Already seated and ready to serve you everything about the top of the table clash this afternoon.
Stick and stay and you’ll get all the live actions and behind the scenes.
2:10pm: Asante Kotoko are the first to step on the picture for the warm up.
The fans welcomed them with a loud shout.
2:13pm: Bechem United are also on the pitch. Star player Augustine Okrah was the last but one player to come out.
Kotoko named an unchanged line up as they maintain the squad that started against Dreams FC last weekend while Bechem makes one change in their set up. Abdul Latif Anabila comes in for Abdul Karim who picked red card against Medeama on opening day.
Line up for Asante Kotoko & Bechem
Referee Gabriel Opoku Ware and his two assistants- Mohammed Tijani and Alex Osavi are done with their warm up.
2:37pm: Both sides are done with warm up as well and have headed to the dressing room to prepare for the game.
2:56pm: Both teams are now on the pitch and we’re read for kick off
9mins: Emmanuel Avornyo with the biggest chance as he came on on one with Razak Abalora but the lanky striker could not round him.
13′ – still goalless here in Kumasi
Bechem United look more dangerous upfront as they have had two decent chances to open the scoring
19′ min: Kotoko’s Samuel Boateng was played through by Fabio Gama but the striker was unable to beat goalkeeper Abdulai Iddrisu.
34′ still goalless here but Kotoko defender Patrick Asmah is down. The player is complaining he can’t continue.
Changes will likely be effected soon.
HT: Asante Kotoko 0-0 Bechem United Both sides had decent chances but none was able to break the deadlock.
We will be back after 15 minutes.
We’re back for the second half.
Kotoko 0-0 Bechem United
48′ min: Richmond Lamptey with the first chance after the break but the midfielder skies his effort.
53rd minute: Augustine Okrah had the opportunity to break the deadlock at the other end two minutes. The Bechem forward went past goalkeeper Razak Abalora but his last ditch effort was cleared of the line by Yussif Mubarik.
74′ min: still goalless at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. The two clubs are living dangerously
85′ minute: Penalty for Asante Kotoko after Isaac Oppong was heckled in the box.
86' min: Abdul Ganiu Ismail put Kotoko in front from the spot. Kotoko 1-0 Bechem United pic.twitter.com/kPBNb8IhUy
Prosper Ogum’s side head back to Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday expecting to win big, while some home fans habour a little fear of a possible repeat of the case where former players may arrive to hunt them down
With obience and genuflection, Sunday’s game is the biggest fixture if the weekend. All eyes will be in Kumasi.
It will be a splendid and wonderful atmosphere when Asante Kotoko players come out from the dressing room on Sunday afternoon through the tunnel to the pitch, just like a soon to be father-in-law proudly walking with his daughter down the aisle to hand her over to the man he trust for marriage.
After 567 days away from their fortress, Kotoko fans will now have the opportunity to sit at their favorite spots, have their favorite chats and sing for their favorite players before, during and possibly after the game -depending on the outcome- when they lock horns with Bechem United in matchday two of Ghana Premier League.
Since Baba Yara Sports Stadium was closed down in March 2020, Kotoko have been roaming around perching other clubs and they can finally have the luxury to play at their favorite ground.
Last season, Kotoko nearly won the league title until a defeat in Accra against bitter rivals Hearts of Oak destroyed everything they had toiled for. This wasn’t just a blip or an unfortunate run of results. It was a widespread problem that needed solving sooner rather than later as players increasingly lost their steam and self belief.
Fortunately, Prosper Ogum was appointed to replace Mariano Baretto and the new gaffer came not only with his two assistants but also other new ideas.
A large chunk of the players who played last season were let go from the club including captain Felix Annan and assistant captain Emmanuel Gyamfi. This paved way for sixteen new players to be welcomed and the squad had a successful pre-season in Dubai.
Now, with Ogum having all that he asked for, what should he focus on to grind results on Sunday as he plays in front of the supporters for the first time?
Be more clinical
Kotoko named their 20-man squad for the game on Saturday evening and interestingly, fifteen players will be hoping to make their bow at home after joining the club. In short, they have never played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for Kotoko. Therefore, there should be a flying start.
Kotoko’s forward line were quite mesmerising to watch during the latter stages of last season and unfortunately they are yet to find their mojo. Although, Kotoko scored three goals last weekend against Dreams FC, none of them came from the strikers. Midfielders Mudasiru Salifu, Isaac Oppong and Richmond Lamptey did the work.
Lamptey & Oppong celebrating a goal
We realised in the game that Fabio Gama and Lamptey’s relationship in midfield at a point gave the strikers the licence to roam and cause havoc in opponents’ box, but they could not punish Dreams early enough.They had to wait till the last six minutes before the goals could come. The truth of the matter is that it could, and possibly should, have been far more.
Bechem maybe quite different from Dreams and if Kotoko fail to bury chances very early in the game, they may not be second time lucky to right the wrongs later.
Ogum must tighten up the defence
Kotoko, on opening day, paraded familiar faces at the back as skipper Abdul Ganiu partnered Yussif Mubarik at the heart of defence while Patrick Asmah and Christopher Nettey took over the full back duties.
Although, they conceded just a goal, the defence looked quite shaky at a point.
Ganiu must show leadership in defence
Mubarik was at fault for Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s opener in the first game. The defence gave Dreams FC a lot of spaces to operate and if same openings are offered Bechem, things may look murkier than expected because they have a potent attack far more than Dreams.
Now, Bechem, following their 4-0 drubbing of Medeama last weekend, have had an early-season optimism that they could launch a long overdue title challenge this season. The Hunters have a belief to get close to the bludgeoning dominance that Hearts, Aduana Stars and to some larger extent Berekum Chelsea can inflict on other sides.
Kassim Mingle’s side believe they now have the men to do the job. At least, they bolstered their squad with Augustine Okrah who has seen it all both on the local front and on the continent as well – having even played in the semifinals of the prestigious Caf Champions League before with Al Hilal. Other players like Latif Anabila, Clinton Duodo and Avornyo are available to cause havoc.
Ogum must mustn’t use Mudasiru as a holding midfielder
In the last game, Mudasiru was brilliant especially in the second half and even scored the equaliser but that was when he was played in his favourite position. After Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’ was brought on to play the holding role and Mudasiru pushed forward, Kotoko began to dictate the pace.
Boadu must start in midfield
They covered more spaces and had a larger ball possession since then and that led to the three goals scored. That obviously confirmed a lot of pundits’ predictions that Mudasiru is more effective upfront than when used for defensive duties. He could even be partly blamed for the goal Issahaku scored for Dreams FC since he allowed the youngster to bully his way through – something any ‘proper’ defensive midfielder won’t allow.
Ogum must have his substitutions on point
Kotoko supporters hugely trusted Ogum when his tactical variation proved to be the antidote needed on Dreams FC.
With Kotoko down and a couple minutes away from tasting defeat on his debut, he brought on Lamptey and Isaac Oppong and the duo scored one goal each with the latter even providing two assists.
Georges Mfegue Rodrigues could be used in attack
When things become difficult for Kotoko against Bechem, all eyes will be on Ogum and the decisions he will take. With Cameroonian import George Mfegue Rodrigues available, he could be called upon to save the day.
Kotoko being quick out of the blocks will be key to not only securing a victory but also allowing the players to have the luxury to play to the delight of the supporters watching at the stadium and those viewing from the comfort of their homes on television.
The former colleagues clashed on UTV over the weekend and Abena Korkor used the opportunity to patch ways after going bonkers in the past
Ghanaian bipolar disorder advocate, Abena Korkor, has remorsefully apologised to ace broadcaster Nana Aba Anamoah on a live TV on Saturday.
Korkor, who has been suffering from bipolar disorder recently, leading to her sacking from TV3, was a guest on UTV’s United Show program together with musician Kwame A-Plus, actor and politician John Dumelo, Artists manager Bull Dog, as well as Entertainment pundit Arnold Mensah and used the opportunity to settle her differences with Nana Aba Anamoah.
Although, Abena went bonkers in the past and accused Nana Aba of several things including pimping young girls to politicians and rich guys, she sought for her forgiveness and promised not to fabricate falsehood on her again.
She further used the opportunity to offer an advise to Korkor going forward as she has been dragging a lot of people’s hard won reputation through the mud.
The Royals continued their fine form as they pipped the returnees in a five-goal thriller at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday
Legon Cities left it late to defeat Real Tamale United 3-2 on matchday two of Ghana Premier League at the Accra Sports Stadium on Saturday.
The two clubs came into the game from a similar situation as they both shared the spoils in their respective games on opening day. Legon frustrated defending champions Hearts of Oak to a 1-1 draw while R.TU also drew 1-1 with Great Olympics at home in their first league game after seven seasons in the lower tier.
It was Joseph Adjei who drew the first blood for Legon Cities by the 22nd minute after a nice build up.
However, David Abagna Sangna, who joined RTU from Ashanti Gold last month, pulled even for the Giants of the North by the half-hour mark.
After the break, Nat Akwah sent Legon in front again with a composed finish on the 56th minute before Jonah Attuquaye added another from the spot on 75th minute to make it 3-1 as the hosts looked to be home and dry.
However, Abagna scored another goal for R.T.U three minutes later from the spot to sent the game to an electric finish.
The visitors threw several men forward to push for the equaliser and at least snatch a point, however, Legon were resolute at the back as they held on to win their first game of the season.
Legon Cities have temporarily moved to the summit of the league log with four points. The remaining games of the week will be held on Sunday across six venues.
The Miners failed to make it two wins in a row as they shared the spoils at home against Karela United on Saturday
Ashanti Gold shared the spoils 1-1 with Karela United on matchday two of Ghana Premier League at the Len Clay Sports Stadium on Saturday.
After picking a narrow win on opening day against Techiman Eleven Wonders, Ashanti Gold were hoping to continue their their winning ways but they were pecked back in the first half.
Mohammed Humin Dafie scored the opening goal of the day by the 33rd minute for Karela but Ashanti Gold restored parity seven minutes later.
Isaac Opoku Agyemang scored from the spot by the 40th minute to cancel out Dafie’s opener as they two sides went to the break even.
However, after the break, chances were at the premium as neither Ashanti Gold not Karela could find an opening in the opponent’s box to score the winner.
Both clubs are without a defeat after two games as the Miners now have four points while Karela have two points.
The Porcupine Warriors boss has announced the squad whom he will rely on for victory against Bechem United on Sunday
Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has announced a 20-man squad to be used for Ghana Premier League top of the table clash against Bechem United on Sunday.
The squad is made up of two goalkeepers including deputy captain Razak Abalora and Kwame Baah.
Also, Cameroonian import George Mfegue Rodrigues has been called up to the team and could make his debut for the club after sealing a three-year deal last month.
Interestingly, only five players out of the squad – Ismail Abdul Ganiu, Imoro Ibrahim, Mudasiru Salifu, Kwame Baah, Christopher Nettey- have played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for Asante Kotoko before and this game would be the biggest test for the fifteen remaining players.
Although, players like Fabio Gama, Yussif Mubarik, Patrick Asmah and Razak Abalora joined the club last season, however, they couldn’t get the opportunity to play in Kumasi since the stadium was closed down for renovations in March, 2020.
The rest including Clinton Opoku, Isaac Oppong, Sheriff Mohammed, Dickson Afoakwa and Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’ only joined the club few weeks ago.
Kotoko come into the game on the back of a 3-1 away win over Dreams FC in Accra last weekend while Bechem also hammered Medeama 4-0 at home on opening day.
The game will serve as a home coming to players like Augustine Okrah, Emmanuel Asante and Latif Anabila who at one point in their careers were representing Asante Kotoko.
Okrah, who won Ghana Premier League topscorer and Best Player awards with Bechem United in 2013/14 season joined the club in a one-year deal.
He was on target on his second debut for the club as they hammered Medeama 4-0 at the Fosu Gyeabour Park last weekend.
The Phobians boss admits they have had a slow start to the season but believes his side will pick up very soon
Ghana Premier League champions Hearts of Oak have failed to win any of their first two games of the season but head coach Samuel Boadu believes things will change very soon.
The Phobians were held in a 1-1 stalemate by WAFA on Friday which adds to the home draw on opening day against Legon Cities.
Although, they are without a defeat after two games, pressure gradually looks like creeping in but Boadu believes his charges will correct the wrongs and return to winning ways after matchday four which leads them into the month of December.
“There is a little mistake that we need to correct it. The goal that we conceded, from the dugout, I could see that it was a misunderstanding or miscommunication that cost us for them to cancel that lead we took,” Boadu said.
“Not at all, There is nothing [like pressure] on me. I know myself, maybe from the fourth match going [in December] things will change.
“When Hearts of Oak start picking up, we will he unstoppable,” he added.
Samuel Boadu also revealed how they were able to match WAFA and score their first goal at the venue after failing in the last five seasons.
“Tactically they are very discipline, their tactical awareness is okay.
“They are very young, they run a lot but we strategized not to allow them to advance.
“Because whenever they cross the centre [line], the only thing that they do is, they fast game to advance, they won’t come back so we planned to lock them always when they get the ball they should send the ball back or always send to the wings and their wings too are blocked,” he added.
Hearts will host Aduana Stars next week before they travel to Len Clay Sports Stadium in Obuasi to face Ashanti Gold.
They will then welcome Berekum Chelsea to the Accra Sports Stadium and then switch their attention to continental assignment.
The Phobians will host Algerian club JS Souara in the playoffs of Caf Confederation Cup on November 28 before they travel to North Africa a week later for the reverse fixture.
