NC Special Competition: Kotoko To Play Karela In Finals On Wednesday
Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Anyinase based club, Karela FC will be playing in the finals of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Normalization Committee’s Special completion after the fabulous boys beat their arch rivals Accra Hearts of Oak 5-4 on penalties, and the latter beating Ashanti Gold FC by a one goal to nil at the Obuasi Len Clay stadium last Sunday.
ACCRA:
The Porcupine Warriors out-classed the ‘Never Say Die” boys in a penalty shoot-out when the game ended in a 1-1 draw after a scintillating 90 minutes. Both teams had obviously prepared well ahead of the game, with the Phobians camping in the Central Region while Kotoko camped at Akuapem Mampong in the eastern Region.
Though Kotoko started the game on higher note when their talisman Safiu Abdul Fatawu opened the scoring in the 5th minute into the first half after pouncing on a beautiful back hill from Naby Keita which beat goalkeeper Ben Mensah, Hearts controlled the game after settling into the game.
After recess, Hearts came back strongly after Head coach Kim Grant made a change just before the second half commenced. Youngster Obeng Jnr made way for a well-built Kofi Korzie who used his physique and power to torment the defence men of Kotoko.
Both teams made all three changes with Hearts gaining the upper hand as they kept on pushing for the equalizer.
Kotoko’s fans were shell shocked when Takoradi-based FIFA referee, George Vormawah pointed to the spot signalling a penalty against Kotoko after the ball struck the hand of a Kotoko defender in the six-yard box in the dying embers of the game, which saw Christopher Bonney beautifully planting the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper, Ibrahim Danlard in post for Kotoko.
But the visitors went ahead to win the game 5-4 on penalties to book their place in the final.
OBUASI LEN CLEY STADIUM:
Elsewhere in the other semi-finals, Ashgold lost by a goal to nil against Karela FC to set a mouthwatering final clash against Kumasi Asante Kotoko to decide who represents the Ghana, in the next season’s CAF Champions League.
Source: Ibrahim Alhassan