How the players fared against Al Ittihad

Soulama Abdoulaye: Brought his huge experience to bear in the game as he on many occasions became the block between Ittihad and a goal. His timings were correct and his reflexes sharp. He most of the time challenged the referee on some of his weird decisions and was lucky to have escaped the wrath of the referee who clearly showed that he was up to some mischief by the way he dished out yellow cards to Kotoko players. His injury in the dying embers of the second half was a big blow to Kotoko as he fully used his height to advantage. He will need to be worked on to recover in time for the second leg.

Samuel Inkoom: He was quiet for most of the period of the match as his characteristic surging runs down the flanks was not very much on display. He however made up for the absence of the runs with the way he beautifully switched play between him and Harrison Afful. Much of the attack in the second leg match will depend on him and so will have to redouble his efforts in his preparations for it.

Harrison Afful: Though Harrison’s performance was not the vintage one as he is noted for, however, his runs at the left and the way he was able to telepathically switch play between him and Inkoom gave the Libyans moments of worry and fear. His general contribution to Kotoko’s performance in as much as it was not vintage, was noteworthy.

Prince Anokye: Was a tower of strength in the Kotoko defense. He did not show any signs of complacency that had eaten him up in the last few matches of the premier league. His timings were accurate and the clearances were superb. Did a lot of man marking, and succeeded in pushing his opponents out of the Kotoko vital area. Though was not comparatively as tall as his opponents, he endeavored to win most of the aerial challenges.

Godfred Yeboah: There was no better way to announce his return to Kotoko than the kind of performance he put up last Friday. Godfred had every thing going for him in the match. He used his height to full advantage by cutting out the aerial supplies of Ittihad. He liaised well with Anokye at the back to provide a good cover for Soulama. Godfred will have to work on his speed as he was sometimes late in getting to lose balls and fifty-fifty situations. It is hoped that he improves on his speed for the second leg.

George Asare: Played his role as the first stopper well. He was a buddle of strength and did well in putting the breaks on Ittihad attackers. His asset in the match was his ability to fill in the gap any time a defender surged forward. Plays better in this role because here he operated mostly outside the penalty box and so was able to go for tackles with full power. Made some brilliant clearances that saved Kotoko. Playing in this role will require more power and stamina from him and so will have to work even harder to get into the shape that will make him be able to cover the whole defense area effectively.

Jordan Opoku: Playing as a freelancer in the midfield gave him the chance to play a very good game. He used his asset, dribbling, to his advantage and gave the Libyans nervous times in the match. But for his shyness at shooting at goal, he would have scored a personal goal to crown an evening of good performance. Got tired from running around and was substituted in the second half.

Daniel Nii Adjei: The cool midfielder was his usual self in the match and did a very good job combining with his colleagues to provide a tough midfield for Kotoko. The usually quiet player though unnoticed in matches plays an effective role that neutralises his opponents. Covered the pitch effectively and provided a good link between the attack and defense. Was a victim of rough play but did not receive adequate protection from the Kenyan referee.

Emmanuel Osei Kuffour: The captain was having a good time on the pitch until the referee conspired with the Libyans to take him out to weaken the team. Until that incident, Kuffour was a torn in the flesh of the Libyans. He was distraught and disorganized by the decision. His expulsion from the game really had a telling effect on the upfront movement of Kotoko.

Kwabena Yaro: Undoubtedly my man of the match. He used his physique to advantage and crowned an afternoon of good performance with a spectacular goal in the early minutes of the game. Yaro was a delight to watch on the ball and his dribbling found him a good partner on the day. He most of the time fell back to head out dangerous aerial balls. He will have to do more work on his stamina.

Eric Bekoe: He was unusually quiet on the day. He dribbled well but found most of his passes going to the wrong people. Did most of the runs on the ball but did not get the protection of the referee thereby making him a target of rough play.

Eric Nii Baah: Very fine keeper and brave heart. Came on for injured Soulama and did well in keeping the post. Miscommunication between him and his defenders resulted in the goal he conceded.

Stephen Oduro: Was not able to live up to his supper substitute accolade. Found most of his passing going to the opponent, but compensated for that with good tackling. Will be of full benefit if made to start the second leg match.