GPL Report: Frimpong Power Kotoko To Second

Big players arise when they are needed. Leaders step up and take responsibility when it matters most. The Asante Kotoko’s armband is not antonymous to leadership.

Leading Porcupines comes with responsibility and Amos Frimpong has shown his presence when the team needs a leader on the pitch for the second time on the bounce.

Having led a team threatened off the pitch last Sunday to earn a point against a side who made visitors look second fiddle — powering in the equaliser with a thumping header, Amos Frimpong downed league leaders Wa All Stars at the Baba Yara sports stadium on Wednesday to lift the Porcupine Warriors to second — a step above bitter rivals, Hearts of Oak who were held to a one-all draw at the Accra sports stadium by Liberty Professionals.

It was a difficult game for Asante Kotoko as a resolute midfield and defensive play by Wa All Stars nullified their threats. When the Porcupines managed to break through occasionally, they squandered their chances. Bennett Ofori, Obed Owusu and substitute, Duada Mohammed were all culpable, with Bennett Ofori the worst among trio.

Enos Adepah’s men went on the break a number of times but the Kotoko defence, comprising Edwin Tuffour and Ahmed Adams in the middle; Amos Frimpong and Samuel Kyere on the laterals were bullet proofs. Wa All Stars can’t be overlooked for wastefulness too.

Both sides were frustrated for their profligacy, and as Kotoko searched that precious goal to avoid falling behind wider at the tender age of the second round of the 2015-16 Ghana Premier League (GPL), Amos Frimpong led by example and thumped home the first and only goal of the game after 67 minutes — his second goal in two successive games.

Neither side could fined the back of the net again and Kotoko go second on the league log, 1 point less than leaders, Wa All Stars.

Kotoko line-up: Ernest Sowah, Amos Frimpong, Samuel Kyere, Edwin Tuffour, Ahmed Adams, Theophilus Nyame, Sarfo Gyamfi, Stephen Nyarko/Kwadwo Poku, Obed Owusu/Dauda Mohammed, Bennett Ofori, Eric Donkor/Emmanuel Gyamfi.

Bench: Atta Kusi, Ohene Brenya, Emmanuel Osei, Ofori Antwi.

GPL Report: Frimpong Power Kotoko To Second

GPL Preview: Kotoko Host Wa Al Stars

It is a battle for supremacy as Asante Kotoko host Wa All Stars at the Baba Yara sports stadium on Wednesday — the second game in three days for both sides in the second round of the 2015-16 Ghana Premier League (GPL).

Both sides recorded contrasting results last weekend — Wa All Stars amassed all points at stake against Berekum Chelsea whilst Asante Kotoko could only negotiate for a point against Techiman City.

And with the Porcupine Warriors having their sight on the league crown, Michael Osei will assemble his arsenals to ensure they avoid losing all six points to the Wa-based club who dropped them to 5th with a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture before they moved up to third after winning their final game of the first round.

Asante Kotoko were the only team to earn a point away from home in the first game of the second round, and will be buoyed by not only by the result but the performance they displayed against a side who have had a stupendous at home since the opening day of the season — with former Champions Berekum Chelsea and Aduana Stars being culprits.

Asante Kotoko and Wa All Stars have met 17 times in Ghana’s top flight domestic league. The Porcupine Warriors have been superior in this encounter, winning 9 drawing 5 and losing only 3.

At the Baba Yara sports stadium, home grounds, the two sides have met 8 times in the league, with Kotoko achieving 75% success — 6 victories, 1 defeat with the other ending in a stalemate.

Recent games between the two sides have ended 3-1 either in favour of Kotoko or All Stars.

In the 2013-14 season, the Porcupine Warriors won this fixture by 3-1, and the Wa-based club avenged the defeat with the same scoreline a season later.

Asante Kotoko again thumped the visitors 3-1 last season, but a bullish Wa All Stars will be confident of their chances.

According to Enus Adepah, Kotoko’s best in this game will be a draw.

Team News

Theophilus Nyame and Evans Quao sustained injuries on Sunday, but the duo were treated and discharged. Evans Quao is ineligible to play in this encounter, and Michael Osei would either start Ohene Brenya or Osei Agyemang in his place.

The latter was impressive until he was sidelined by an injury.

GPL Preview: Kotoko Host Wa Al Stars