Kotoko has been on a horrible run lately following a narrow 1-0 defeat resulting from their clash with Accra Hearts of Oak. This is their third straight defeat on a row and the newly appointed interim coach, Yaw Prince Owusu will have to reconsider his tactics before he follows his predecessor Karim Zito through the back door.
Every new job comes with pressure and tactical challenges within the first few weeks but to be able to control and handle such pressures, as a newly appointed coach, your debut game is supposed to have a positive result so that the pressure could be minimized. Yaw failed to do so apparently.
This defeat, the first home defeat this year, has ended the 10-game unbeaten home run for the Porcupine Warriors. Hearts of Oak struck first on the 14th minute, following a sharp header from Baba Adamu via a set piece swinged into the box by Martin Karikari. Mohamed Camara had absolutely no chance of rescuing the ball out of the net. This was the only goal of the game. Ninenteen minutes after the goal, Emmanuel Amankwah got sent off following a foul play and his side got reduced to ten men.
Following the sending off, the Porcupine Warriors were expected to capitalize on the disadvantage and equalize. Then add a goal or more to seal the comeback but they couldn’t. The Phobians has now retreated to compact defensive shape, blocking off all all the attacks of the home team. The efforts that managed to escape the defenders of the Phobians, were well dealt with by Benjamin Asare. His selflessness in the goal post earned his team a clean sheet away from home. He was also named the Man of the Match.
After this exciting defeat against their bitter rivals, Didi Dramani, the Phobians head coach said “It was just a league game. The plan was to win and keep the pressure on Medeama”.
Medeama are currently the GPL leaders 5 points clear at the top. This defeat has negatively impacted Kotoko’s tittle aspirations and further keeps them away from the top four. Prince Owusu also acknowledged that during his post match press conference.
If Kotoko cannot win the league at least they are expected to challenge for a spot in the Confederation of African Football Confederation Cup. That is the least they could do to pacify their fans and to maintain their reputation as one of the best teams in Ghana.