BetPawa Ghana Premier League (GPL) leaders Bofoakwa Tano were held to a 0-0 draw at the Sunyani Coronation park by Bibiani Gold Stars on Saturday afternoon.
Prior to kick off, Bofoakwa Tano were yet to drop a point at home in the ongoing BetPawa GPL after picking up maximum points in their previous two encounters, whiles Bibiani Gold Stars were yet to pick up a point on their travels.
A sunlit day at the Sunyani Coronation park had a bit of outpouring nevertheless the spectacle of the game remained as Bofoakwa Tano and Gold Stars thrilled spectators present at the match venue.
Bofoakwa Tano were determined to maintain their perfect home record and made their intentions clear right from the onset. Inspirational skipper, Saaka Dauda capped a lovely team move from the kick off, with a fine strike from inside the Gold Stars 18 yard box. However, his effort cannoed off the cross bar and the follow up attempt from Clement Ansah was put behind for a corner kick.
The vibrant Coronation park was encouraged by the attacking intent metered out by the team in the early exchanges. Elisha Addae ensured Bofoakwa Tano did not take their foot off the pedal; he put a teasing ball across the face of goal but Saaka Dauda who was arriving at the near post failed to get the faintest of touches on it to turn the ball into an open goal.
Bibiani Gold stars were yet to settle into the game with Tano dictating the proceedings of the game. The Gold stars managed to carve an opportunity of their own against the run of play but Prince Kwabena Owusu dragged his shot at the edge of the box wide off Boafoakwa Tano’s goal post on the 20th minute.
Boafoakwa Tano created lots of half chances as the first half progressed where as Bibiani Gold stars were put under immense pressure throughout the opening 45 minutes and were left to hang on for the half-time whistle. The sides headed into the break on level pegging.
The resumption of the second half followed a similar pattern as the first, with the home team dominating the encounter. The dominance nearly paid off after Tano had an attempt cleared off the line by Bibiani Gold stars following a corner kick on the 52nd minute.
Minutes after the hour mark, Captain of Bofoakwa Tano, Saaka Dauda took the game by the scruff of the neck as he drove the ball from the half way line, wriggled past 3 Bibiani Gold Stars men before teeing up Clement Ansah at the edge of the box, who lofted the ball into the path of Lesley Ayitey but Ayitey’s strike lacked accuracy as it flew past the post.
Tano Boafoakwa continued to make incursions to break the deadlock and nearly nicked infront of the visitors. Bibiani Gold Stars made forward moves for a corner kick, leaving behind 3 players of which Ampe Dacosta was inclusive, Dacosta miscued his attempted pass on the half way line, leading to Benjamin York racing through an on goal but York was unable to find the back of the net as he opted for the classy dink finish rather than a powerful low drive. His effort was comfortably gathered by Gold stars shot stopper, Osei Yaw.
Tano Boafoakwa were hopeful the raucous sounds from their spectators would prove to be a telling factor in the outcome of the game as they went on a late surge in the dying embers of the game to find the match’s opener but Bibiani Gold Stars were resolute in defense to earn a first point away from home this season.
Manager of Bibiani Gold Stars, Michael Osei lauded the performance of his team for their determination to secure a difficult point away from home.
“Actually it was a very difficult game for both teams. [They] were very tactical, disciplined and the intensity of the game was very high; my guys were amazing, putting such a performance to get our first away points. I’ll congratulate them because it was a very tough and difficult game.”
Meanwhile Coach of Boafoakwa Tano, Frimpong Maanso was pleased with his side’s display against Bibiani despite dropping two points in their backyard.
“I think we did well. For me, looking at where we are coming from and then looking at the kind of oppositions that we’ve been meeting, I think we played well. [Bibiani] have a very experienced midfield….you know at any point in time you could see they pose a threat, so for me a draw is better than getting nothing, for me, it’s okay.”
Boafoakwa Tano remain at the summit of the league with 9 points from 5 games heading into Sunday’s fixtures whiles Gold stars first point on the road sees the Golden boys move into 4th position.
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Story by: Andrews Sefa Bamfo | univers.ug.edu.gh
