Africa Kotoko: Porcupine Warriors silences Tema Youth

Coach Mas-ud Didi Dramani has commended his players for exhibiting high sense of discipline in their 2-1 victory against Tema Youth last Sunday at the Tema Park.

“I am really proud of the manner my boys comported themselves against Tema Youth. They totally ignored the referee’s controversial decisions and concentrated on the game for the entire 90 minutes. That is exactly what I have always been telling them to do and I am excited they paid heed to it”.

Didi said this in an interview with the press after Kotoko had played a determined game to halt the unbeaten home record of Tema Youth in the ongoing Glo Premier League. Striker Ben Acheampong put Kotoko into the lead in the 26th minute.

Tema Youth fought hard and drew level through Francis Narh in the 49th minute from spot kick. Undaunted by the equalizer, Kotoko attacked their opponent from all angles till they got the match winner in the 82nd minute through stalwart defender Rashid Sumaila.

It was Kotoko’s third victory in the league having beaten Berekum Arsenal 2-0 in Kumasi and Medeama 1-0 at Tarkwa. The victory has moved Kotoko to the third spot on the log sheet with 14 points, just a point behind league leaders Aduana Stars.

Prior to last Sunday, the Porcupine Warriors were on record to have drawn all their last three games played in Tema. Kotoko drew 1-1 with Tema Youth in the league last season and lost 0-2 to Amidaus Professionals in the FA Cup.

Kotoko drew goalless with Tema select side in the off season. Not happy with his record, Coach Didi and his charges stormed Tema with full force to end their winless run and they achieved that perfectly.

Tema Youth started the game on an impressive note. They brilliantly possessed the ball for the first ten minutes while Kotoko relied on counter attacks. The duo of Moses Odjer and Francis Narh tormented Kotoko defenders with their skill and swiftness but their finishing was poor.

Tema Youth won a free kick at an advantageous position in the 5th minute. Rashid Sumaila brought James Akaminko down in a tussle but Issah Yakubu defended well for Kotoko. It was after Kotoko had wasted a corner kick in the 2nd minute.

Kotoko attacked Tema Youth and won a throw-in the 26th minute. Gideon Baah threw the ball to Ben Acheampong on the left wing. He showed strength, skill and pace to outwit his markers and fired home with his left foot. Goalkeeper Kofi Mensah was totally deceived as he thought Ben would curled the ball in.

Kotoko nearly scored their second goal in the 34th minute, The goals sent Kotoko supporters into total jubilation.

 


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *