Accra Great Olympics picked up their first win of the ongoing Bet Pawa premier league season on Sunday after they beat Bibiani Gold Stars by 1-0 at the Accra Sports stadium.
Michael Osei’s goal was enough to tame high flying Bibiani Gold Stars, who came into the encounter after defeating record league holders Kumasi Asante Kotoko by 2-1 in their last outing at the Dun’s park.
Olympics were in dire need of a victory on Sunday to lift the spirits of the players and supporters after playing out two goalless draws in their first two games of the season, as well as failing to find the back of the net in any of those games.
Isaac Mensah nearly responded to the cry of the Olympics faithfuls in the 2nd minute; Mensah was at the receiving end of a lovely cross but miscued his close range effort.
Olympics continued to probe and nearly took the lead when Isaac Mensah struck a well drilled low free kick on target, but his attempt was thwarted by Yaw Osei in goal for the Golden boys.
Bibiani struggled to showcase the crisp touches, passes and interplay to see them out muscle Asante Kotoko as they were on the back foot for the chunk of the first half.
However, Bibiani had a glimpse at goal when Ronald Frimpong was afforded with the best opportunity in the first half but his powerful drive from Kwabena Owusu’s cutback produced a top draw save from Olympics goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
It was Accra Great Olympics who would end the first half on a high note; Isaac Mensah came close with a header which hit the frame of the goal before being put into touch by Bibiani Gold Stars as the teams went into the break on level pegging.
Accra Great Olympics came flying out of the traps in the second period and went straight ahead after 2 minutes. Michael Osei was on hand to produce a magical strike after using his upper body strength to turn and outmuscle his opponent just a little away from the center circle. Osei drove at the defense of Bibiani before producing an exquisite curler to place the ball in the top corner past an outstretched Osei Yaw of Gold Stars.
Olympics knocked the ball about in simple fashion to see out the game comfortably. However, the Golden Boys were made to rue Ronald Frimpong’s opportunity to go ahead when the game was locked at 0-0 as they travel back home with no points.
The manager of All stars was of a different opinion after the game. Coach Michael Osei opined that his side were tremendous on the day but were undone by a moment of brilliance rather than Bibiani shooting themselves in the foot.
“…it was a game that we controlled very well, all the departments. We were very disciplined, very tactical…I will give the credit to the goalscorer from the Olympic team…I think he scored a brilliant goal…it was a balanced game and even in the first half, we should have taken our chances and the game should have been different. But all the same I will congratulate the guys, they played well today. Unfortunately, we lost the game 1-0 which is very painful for the day but we will keep on working hard and make sure the next game we get our 3 points.”
Meanwhile, Great Olympics manager Annor Walker was relieved after that game as his side faced an uphill task against a motivated Bibiani Gold stars.
“I knew it was not going to be an easy match. I think when we spoke earlier I told you Goldstars have a good team and beating Kotoko last week will motivate them more so It was not going to be an easy game but God Willingly I will pick my 3 points for the first time.”
Great Olympics are yet to concede a goal in the ongoing league season and further solidified the claim with an impressive clean sheet once again. The club’s star, Michael Osei was awarded for his heroics by being adjudged the most valuable player on the day.
The defeat extends Bibiani Gold stars winless, with the Golden boys last away victory coming back in January against Tamale Cities.
On the other hand, Accra Great Olympics will look to build on their defensive stability when they travel to Karela United in their next outing.
Story by: Andrews Sefa Bamfo | univers.ug.edu.gh
