The Ogya Boys failed to make it two wins in two as they were held at home by the debutants
Aduana Stars shared the spoils 1-1 with Accra Lions on matchday thirteen of Ghana Premier League at Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa Ahenkro on Sunday.
After defeating Elmina Sharks last weekend, Aduana were eyeing another victory to close in on Asante Kotoko who drew goalless against Berekum Chelsea on Saturday.
However, Daniel Awuni shot Accra Lions in front after three minutes into the game with a nice finish.
The visitors could’ve added another goal by the 20th minute after Rauf Salifu waa played through but the striker failed to make the opportunity count.
Aduana finally found a breach in Lions’ defence to pull even by the 40th minute through a penalty as Yahaya Mohammed slotted in from the spot.
Aduana returned from the break and tried several times but could not break down the defence of Lions in their attempt to snatch a late winner.
Aduana now sit second on the log with 24 points, three points behind Asante Kotoko who also have a game in hand against Hearts of Oak. That game has been scheduled for February 20 at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Porcupine Warriors boss has shed light on how he masterminded his side to record a famous win over their nemesis in Dormaa Ahenkro
Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh has for th first time this season admitted that he was satisfied with his players’ performance following their 2-0 win over Aduana Stars in Ghana Premier League.
The Porcupine Warriors after a shocking elimination from FA Cup silenced Aduana with goals from Cameroonian striker Georges Mfegue Rodrigues and Richmond Lamptey.
“I’m very satisfied with the performance and win. It is very joyous if you make history,” Ogum said after the famous win.
These Kotoko supporters showed something ‘wicked’ after the win over Aduana Stars
“These genes have been there over the years and we’ve been able to break them. Kudos to the boys. As I told you before the game, I told them that the threat, the intimidation, the fear outside the field will come but they need to stay focused.
“And they did so by sticking to the game plan and if you see the way we played we were very confident on the ball. We were very confident without the ball. We kept to our game plan keeping the ball on the turf, looking at the pocket of spaces and playing the ball through,” he added.
Kotoko, prior to the game, had failed to pick a win in all their previous eleven meetings in Dormaa Ahenkro and had only scored once.
However, they currently have the bragging rights and lead the league log with 23 points, three points above Aduana and King Faisal although the latter have a game in hand.
The Ogya Boys were stunned at home by their fierce rivals and Asare Bediako blames his players poor attitude for the loss
Aduana Stars coach Asare Bediako has slammed his players poor attitude in their shocking 2-0 home defeat to Asante Kotoko in matchday eleven of Ghana Premier League at home.
After winning seven games on a row, Aduana failed to recover from their defeat to Medeama last weekend as they were punished by Asante Kotoko in front of their home fans.
Kotoko had failed to pick a win in Dormaa Ahenkro ever since Aduana made their appearance in the top-flight prior to the game but goals from Georges Mfegue Rodrigues and Richmond Lamptey did the damage.
“I am very very sad today because I was not expecting such a result,” Bediako said after the game.
“Kotoko took over the midfield. Honestly, I am disappointed in my players because they didn’t play the way we wanted them to do.
“Everything was in a mess. You see we were forced to make a change as early as possible. Eric Kwakwa couldn’t kick and hold the ball the way we wanted him to do. His tackling was poor and that’s why we changed him.”
” It’s a big blow to us having lost to King Faisal here too. We are supposed to be winning our home games,” he added.
The Porcupine Warriors picked their first-ever win over Aduana Stars in Dormaa Ahenkro thanks to a goal each from each half of the game by George Mfegue and Richmond Lamptey
Asante Kotoko defeated Aduana Stars 2-0 in the top of the table clash of Ghana Premier League at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa Ahenkro on Saturday.
Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh ringed two changes in his starting line up that lost to King Faisal in midweek as he paraded a relatively new squad to the league leaders.
Defender Andrew Appau whose mistake led to the goal that eliminated Kotoko from the FA Cup was dropped and his place was taken up by skipper Abdul Ganiu Ismail.
Also, youngster Augustine Agyapong was handed his maiden league start for Kotoko to replace Sherrif Mohammed.
However, Cameroonian strikers Etuoga Mbella Frank Thierry and Mfegue George Rodrigues led the attack despite their poor showing against Faisal.
https://youtu.be/N-2Okrvlxnw
After a barring quarter hour in the game where chances were at the premium for both sides, Kotoko began to press their hosts with Mbella and Mfegue causing troubles.
Kotoko finally had their noses in front by the 19th minute when Mfeuge rose above his marker to meet a teasing cross from Imoro Ibrahim which he perfectly headed it in beyond the reach of goalkeeper Joseph Addo.
The goal marked Mfegue’s third of the season as the Cameroonian continued what has looked like a fairly good start to his stay in Ghana.
Aduana came close to equalise by the 32nd minute when Emmanuel Gyamfi sent in a long cross but Sam Adams’ last ditch effort was saved by goalkeeper Danlad.
Two minutes later, Kotoko’s Mudasiru saw his long range effort been denied by the woodwork as Aduana continued to live dangerously.
After the break, Daniel Bio and Yahaya Mohammed were ever present in their search for equaliser but Danlad Ibrahim stood between them and a goal.
With five minutes remaining Aduana’s Abass Mohammed had a chance to draw even but Danlad saved the situation with a wonderful block before Bright Agyei’s rebound could only hit the side net.
Richmond Lamptey finally found an opening and doubled Kotoko’s advantage on 90th minute to silence the vociferous home supporters who were anxiously awaiting an equaliser. The goal obviously left Aduana devasted.
How Asante Kotoko players and coaches left Dormaa Ahenkro
Kotoko have now picked up their maiden victory on Dormaa soil since Aduana qualified to play in Ghana Premier League in 2009. The win also means that Kotoko lead the league log with 23 points, three points above city rivals King Faisal who will host Bibiani Gold Stars on Sunday.
The Cameroonian striker rose above his marker to head the Porcupine Warriors into the lead against the Aduana Stars at the Nana Agyemang Badu Park
Asante Kotoko took the lead against Aduana Stars in matchday eleven of Ghana Premier League thanks to Cameroonian striker George Mfegue Rodrigues.
https://youtu.be/N-2Okrvlxnw
Mfegue’s header against Aduana Stars
After a barring quarter hour in the game, Mfeuge rose above his marker to meet a teasing cross which he perfectly headed it in beyond the reach of goalkeeper Joseph Addo.
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 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.
