Ghana Premier League: Kotoko thrashes Wa All Stars
Coach Mas-Ud “Didi” Dramani on Sunday mapped up a well-rehearsed strategy to enable Asante Kotoko defeat visiting Wa All Stars 3-1 in their Premier League Day 11 duel at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
The feat, Kotoko’s second at home this season, was welcomed by the enthusiastic supporters, following a string of drawn games.
The visitors piled pressure on the Porcupine Warriors from kick-off, creating some decent chances in the 33rd and 35th minutes, however, Samuel Azumah failed to utilize both chances.
All Stars, realizing the loopholes in the Kotoko defence, capitalized on a counter-attack which saw Azumah meander his way into the vital area and in an attempt to score was brought down by goalkeeper Soulama Abdoulaye for a spot-kick.
Seidu Salifu converted the kick to give the visitors the lead on the stroke of half time.
When the second half resumed, Kotoko’s Coach Dramani made two quick substitutions, bringing on Seidu Bansi for Amos Frimpong, while David Offei replaced Prince Baffoe.
The substitutions marked the turning point for the Porcupine Warriors as they seized control of the midfield with Issah Yakubu and Michael Helegbe distributing more concise passes to the attackers.
As they probed for the needed goals, Kotoko snatched the equalizer in the 82nd minute courtesy defender Kwabena Adusei who soared above the All Stars defence to nod home Offei’s cross.
Three minutes on, the Porcupine Warriors shot into the lead in dramatic fashion through burly striker Nafiu Iddrisu from a goalmouth scramble following an ensuing cross from Offei.
All Stars accepted the challenge and threw caution to the wind as they mounted series of counter-attacks but Azumah and Emmanuel Gyamfi have themselves to blame for messing up two golden chances that fell their way in the latter part of the game.
Kotoko, having been let off the hook, turned the heat on the visitors and snatched the third goal courtesy Ransford Osei on 87 minutes from a Bansi pass.
Source: GNA