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How Kotoko fared against Black Meteors
Correspondent: Jerome Otchere, Accra
4th September 2007
Kumasi Asante Kotoko last Sunday lost by a lone goal to the national Olympic team the Black Meteors at the El-Wak Stadium in Accra in the first of six friendly matches of the ‘Fabulous road show’ which is in preparation for the coming football season. The match was also in honour of the late Alhaji Bimbo, owner of Mamobi Midjiland F.C. Bernard Nyankomago was among the Kotoko Express team that covered the match at the refurbished El-Wak stadium and brings you his assessment of the players’ performance.
Isaac Amoako
He was disastrous excellent in the game pulling some great saves on several occasions which could have proved for Kotoko. Nobody can accuse him for conceding the only goal in the game. It was due to a defensive blunder on the part of the defenders. He denied the Meteors attacking duo of Kwadwo Asamoah and Addoquaye Addo from increasing the goal tally in the 54th and 83rd minutes respectively.
Isaac Anderson
The total performance of Isaac Anderson was very impressive. Playing at the right full back position, he did not find the going all that easy. He was tough for the Meteors attackers and never allowed the opponent to use his territory. He complemented the efforts of the midfielders on numerous occasions but never forgot his role as he always recovered in time to avert any danger. He did not give the meteors attackers any breathing space.
Samuel Inkoom
Ever since he joined Kotoko from Sekondi Hasaacas, he has been very consistent in all matches. His performance on the afternoon was exciting to watch. Inkoom gave close marking to his opponents. He was also offensive minded and joined the attack on several occasions. He was fit and strong as well when holding the ball. Besides, he approached the game with all seriousness and avoided creating unnecessary troubles for himself.
Prince Anokye
He was simple fantastic on the day. Arguably, he was the strongest player on the field. The fear he put in the Meteors attackers prevented them from daring to venture his territory. His clearances were timely. He was always the first in the air. Besides, he made sure that his trappings were perfect. But for Nii Adjei, he would have won the best player of the day.
Adamu Mohammed
He played as a central defender and had a good day even though he was a little bit slow. As the skipper for the day, he led by example as he was very disciplined and comported himself well on the field of play. His passers were accurate. He also coordinated well with his colleagues. He cleared all the 50-50 balls which prevented the Black Meteors from adding to the tally. He got tired in the latter part of the game.
Nii Adjei
He had a superb game on the afternoon. His performance was extraordinary. He was a thorn in the flesh of the Meteors defence. He was at his dribbling best. He managed to sneak behind the Meteors backline on several occasions although he is not known for such offensive adventure. He always tried to shoot from any angle. It was therefore not a surprise that his 73rd minute strike missed the post by inches. He covered every blade of grass on the field making it difficult for his opponents to read his movements.
George Yamoah/Kobina Dodzie
Yamoah was a real fighter as he moved up and down the field all afternoon. His crosses were perfect but he was replaced in the 46th minute by Kobina Dodzie who seemed a stamina suspect in the game. Kobina “Basabasa” as he is popularly known brought new ideas into the game. He combined well with his teammates. He did impress the fans when he dribbled three Meteors players on a surging run upfront which brought the fans to their feet.
Stephen Oduro/David Sarkodie
He played a superb game. His skills and flair was in full glare. The midfield dynamo performed so well that his opponents had to resort to dangerous tackles before they could take the ball from him. No one could stop him when he was in possession of the ball. David Sarkodie who replaced him in the 65th minute also did well His calculations and timing were perfect as he seemed to know where every player was even when not looking.
Obeng Darko/Arhin Duah
Obeng Darko proved too tough for the Meteors defenders to handle. He was very good in the air and made several incursions in the opponent’s territory. He was denied an opportunity to score in the 32nd when his powerful shot flew over the bar. Veteran Nana Arhin Duah who came on for him also rocked the Meteors’ defence and always had to contend with two markers but he still managed to penetrate their defence on a few occasions. He could have made a difference if he had had a little more playing time.
Kwadwo Poku/Abass Bundu
Kwadwo Poku “Mahala” had a quiet game compared to his usually very high standards that most Kotoko supporters know of him. He was a bit slow but yet still proved a handful for the Meteors’ defence anytime he dared them on an attacking surge upfront for Kotoko. Though he was good with the aerial balls, he got tired and was substituted by Abass Bundu who struggled to find his feet in the game.
Douglas Nkrumah/Osei Kwame Junior
The dribbling wizard also had a fine afternoon as he closed all the empty spaces. He was slippery and creative whenever he got the ball. His crosses from the left flank were perfect. He was substituted in the the 69th minute by Osei Kwame Junior who also did well although he was a little bit slow. His clearances were good but sometimes late which resulted in many infringements against Kotoko
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