Improved performance against Mainz

1st August 2007

Correspondent: Jerome Otchere,  Bruchweg Stadium, Mainz

Kotoko’s performance against FSV Mainz 05 – a German second division side was much better than what was seen in the matches against TSV 1860 Munchen, Offenbach Kickers and TSV Buchonia Flieden.

The date with Mainz was the club’s fourth game. Despite a three-hour journey from Bad Neustadt to the Bruchweg Stadium in Mainz, the team rarely showed any sign of fatigue in regulation time. The atmosphere at the Bruchweg Stadium was different from what had been seen in the first three matches.

The 20,000 capacity stadium was filled by 3,500 spectators yet the earsplitting cheers and applause for any good move by both sides kept the stadium alive for ninety minutes. Mainz controlled the game from the start. They played a good passing game and came in with brilliant tackles. They also showed immense immaturity and strength on the ball.

Kotoko maintained its composure with a tough defensive strategy. Richard Manu, Michael Ofosu Appiah and Adamu Mohammed combined effectively but Samuel Inkoom was unnerved in the early stages. He strung a couple of faulty passes. His diminutive stature did not help him but the young defender overcame his nervousness by the thriftier minute.

Mainz had the best of chances in the first half. Lead striker Srdjan Baljak nearly shot his side into the lead in the 24th minute when he outpaced his markers in the middle and fired a powerful right-foot shot. Isaac Amoako however made a fantastic save when he punched the ball hard into the air before grabbing it firmly.

Kotoko’s best goal came in the 31st minute. Daniel Nii Adjei with a pass from Francis Coffie fired a crashing twenty-five-metre shot which missed the post even to the anguish of the home fans. Nii Adjei’s shot was outstanding. It shook the stadium as the ecstatic fans made up of some Ghanaians rose to applaud his effort.

Form then on Kotoko grew in confidence. Players of FSV Mainz 05 on the other hand were tired. They could be seen panting especially when they had to fight for the ball from Kwabena Yaro and Ofosu Amoah. The Germans however returned a much stronger side in the second half.

Markus Feulner exploited Kotoko’s disorganised defence in the 52nd minute and headed in a brilliant cross from Christian Demartas on the left. It was a momentary loss of concentration and the fabulous got punished for that. Coach Bash conducted a number of substitutions. He pulled out Francis Coffie, Ofosu Amoah for Francis Akwaffo and Prince Amponsah respectively.

Richard Manu also made way for Mohammed Muyei but the latter’s contributions in midfield was next to nothing. Seydou Dagano, Nana Arhin-Duah and Daniel Acquah replaced Prince Anokye, Osei Kuffour and Michael Ofosu Appiah but all these substitutions could not help Kotoko cancel the 1-0 deficit.

Post match interviews with Coach Bashir Hayford and management members as well as some Ghanaian residents in Mainz including ex-Mainz player Kwaku Duah alias Abilaabi expressed satisfaction with performance shown by the team. “I could not watch Kotoko’s first three games but discussions with the coach and management members tells me that this game is better the others you played” said the former Mainz player.