Isaac Amoako looks at Africa with confidence

By: Bernard Nyankomago

22nd February 2008

After Kotoko’s inability to make any progress in last year’s MTN/CAF Champions League, goalkeeper Isaac Amoako, is confident that, Kotoko with their current form and performance have what it takes to go far this time round in the CAF Confederations Cup competition judging from the. According to him, wining the trophy would serve as compensation and reward to the fans for their dedication and unflinching support for the team.

Kotoko was shown the exit after losing 2-4 on penalties to Port Authority of Gambia in the first round of the competition. Meanwhile, they are expected to play their first match in the ongoing CAF Confederations Cup against Nigerian side Wikki Tourist on March 22^nd.

Amoako is cocksure Kotoko will travel all the way to Bauchi State to surprise the Nigerians. Hear him “Last year we disappointed our fans. Our performance in the Champions League was not the best. But we have what it takes to make progress in this year’s competition. Though we don’t know much about our opponents, we are preparing adequately to make our fans and Ghanaians proud over there”

He commended the fans for staying behind the team even when things became difficult. “Kotoko fans are wonderful and simply the best. They are very supportive indeed. I can say we are performing creditably in the league because of the huge backing from them. We are most grateful. They should keep it up and we assure them of victory always”.  These were some of the statements made by the player when Kotoko Express talked to him last Wednesday.

Amoako, who made his debut in intercontinental clubs competition for Kotoko last season called for unity among the supporters. He observed that the days when Kotoko could pull victory from the jaw of defeat in CAF competitions could be re-enacted if they all put their shoulders to the wheel.

The former Ashgold player added that by throwing their weight behind the players and management, offering prayers and inspiration, supporters could see their beloved club ascending onto the African throne again.

“As they are aware of, the league is resuming this weekend. Our game against Tema Youth will be tough regardless of the fact that we are playing at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Besides, we have another crucial match to play in Africa come next month. That is why they must come together as one family and give their total support to us so that we deliver the goods for them” he stressed.

Commenting on their 1-0 victory against B.A United in a friendly match, he described the game as a good exercise especially having been benched for a while. “I was appreciative to come back to the post again after several matches though it wasn’t a competitive match”

In his response to why he has been missing in most matches Kotoko has played in recent times especially in the league, Amoako emphasized that it was wrong for the fans to create the impression that he has lost his form. He explained that sometimes some players hit fantastic form in a particular season and he believes that goalkeeper Soulama Abdoulaye is enjoying a good season at Kotoko at the moment.

“Nobody should think I have lost my form. What they should know is that there is good and bad season for every player. I played in virtually all the league matches including Africa for Kotoko last season. I hope this is also a good season for Soulama. He has been fantastic in all the matches he has played so far. I give him my support always because when victory comes, it doesn’t go to him alone”

“Moreover, the fans must bear in mind that there are about five goalkeepers in camp. Though everybody is capable of getting first team selection, it is impossible for all of us to be in the post at the same time. Obviously some must sit on the bench. When it happens that way, it doesn’t mean the rest are not good goalies” he concluded.