Eric Agyare, May 24, 2021
Asante Kotoko top of the league hopes were dashed as the Porcupines failed to take the three points at home against WAFA.
Abdul Ganiu had given Kotoko a 1-0 lead but the Sogakope based team rallied to pull level 2 minutes before the break.
The pressure was on Kotoko to win especially when their rival Hearts had moved to the league summit after recording a 1-0 victory over Techiman Eleven Wonders on Friday.
Knowing a victory will see Mariano Barreto’s side regaining the top spot, Kotoko started very well against the Sogakope based team.
Striker Andy Kumi was brought down in the box by WAFA goalkeeper Osei Bonsu in the first minute when Emmanuel Gyamfi had put the striker through on goal.
Defender Abdul Ganiu stepped up and delivered a low drive to hand the porcupines a perfect start. Kotoko failed to capitalize the early lead as they went close severally against a resilient WAFA.
Emmanuel Keyekeh 30-yard drive went off target with Augustine Boakye of WAFA also coming close.
Konadu Yiadom timely intervention denied kotoko a good chance to score the second goal as WAFA began to respond to Kotoko afterwards.
WAFA pulled parity just before the break when Justice Torsutsey headed home from close range unmarked.
Fabio Gama’s act of skillful display couldn’t find any team mate as Kotoko search for the three points after the break.
Asante Kotoko was on the move again. A teasing Samuel Frimpong low cross into WAFA’s box was timely intercepted by WAFA defence as pressure mounts.
Captain Felix Annan was called into action and the goalkeeper responded perfectly when he saved Derick Mensah close range shot.
Mariano Barreto made a second change for his side when he brought on Solomon Sarfo Taylor in a quest to win the match.
Sarfo Taylor made an instant impact with his shot going just wide. Latif Anabila was also introduce after the hour mark for Kotoko’s last change.
Abdul Basit Issa replaced Augustine Boakye with WAFA looking to soak up Kotoko’s pressure in the remaining minutes of the game.
Kotoko continued to control the game but failed in the final pass to get the three points.