Bibiani Gold Stars out fought Asante Kotoko at the Dun’s park yesterday, to hold out a nervy 2-1 victory in a keenly contested fixture, casting a shadow of doubt on Kotoko’s title charge.
The Porcupine Warriors are looking to extend their record and add another league title to their 24 titles, of which their last league triumph came back in the 2021/22 season.
Well worked goals from Bibiani Gold Stars ensured Kotoko’s first defeat at the Duns park, despite Mohammed Sherrif giving Asante Kotoko a lifeline.
Bibiani Topples Kumasi Asante Kotoko
Coach Michael Osei would have approached the game with trepidation given some past result against the pilgrims, but this was not the case as Gold Stars showed dogged determination in the early exchanges and came close to opening the scoring on the quarter hour mark with Maccarthy Appiah’s effort from a 35 yard distance missing the target.
Alex Aso put Bibiani ahead a minute later, but his strike was ruled out for a foul on the Porcupine’s goalkeeper Frederick Asare.
Aso had his initial attempt kept out by Asare before he (Asare) hurriedly rushed out to set his team on the break, dropping the ball in the process. Aso capitalized on the goalkeepers howler and put his team ahead, but was wrongly ruled out by referee Alfaa Baa Adey after consultation with his assistant.
Bibiani Gold Stars dominance persisted as the match wore on; Asare’s instinctive reflexes were needed to palm MacCarthy Appiah’s free kick away with 15 minutes to the break.
A first half short of clear cut chances had Bibiani wrongfully denied of a deserved lead.
Kotoko’s Mukwala was through on goal 50 seconds after the resumption of the second half but had his tame effort comfortably stopped by Joseph Baah of Bibiani Gold stars.
A training ground routine of a set piece was implemented by All Stars but Asare was at the end of it for Kotoko. He was unable to keep Gold Stars out on the 65th minute after Prince Owusu Kwabena guided his header into the bottom corner.
The Porcupine Warriors sprung to life and squared the game 5 minutes after the restart. Substitute, Sherrif Mohammed took Isaac Oppong’s flick into his stride before placing the ball past Joseph Baah.
It was Eric Bosmomtwi’s goal of the season contender that made the difference in the end; Bosomtwi produced a stunning 30 yard drive to put Bibiani back in control of the game.
Gold stars held on to their lead despite Eric Zeze coming close to snatching a point for the Porcupine Warriors. It ended with a feeble strike and produced a routine rather than a harmful save for Joseph Baah.
Coach of Asante Kotoko, Dr. Prosper Narteh Ogum was certainly a frustrated figure, more so after yesterday’s defeat.
The veteran manager who had previously stewarded Asante Kotoko to their last Ghana premier league title in the 2021/2022 season has not had the best of start at the beginning of his second stint.
Following Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s defeat by Bibiani Gold Stars for the first time in their history, Prosper Ogum reacted after the game.
“I think we played well, we created a lot of good chances. In the first half they looked stronger and tougher than us but when we came in the second half, we looked more settled. We were able to connect our passes and then a few changes that we did brought some more stability into our game especially upfront, and that made us create some good chances. To me, we have lost but I am impressed about the performance,” he said.
Kotoko is still looking to earn their first maximum points and currently lie in the 13th position ahead of Sunday’s fixtures. The Porcupine Warriors play as host to Karela United in Gameweek 3.
Meanwhile, head Coach of Bibiani Gold Stars, Michael Osei earned his first 3 points of the season against his former employers. He expressed his delight at the feat.
“I think it was an amazing performance, an amazing score line. We dominated the game, we showed that we deserved the win so i will congratulate the team,” he said.
This happens to be a milestone moment for the Golden Boys, their first ever victory over Asante Kotoko.
Michael Osei further added that this was possible due to his sides determination.
“In the first game, we saw that the performance was okay but only the score line didn’t favor us. Today’s game…was amazing performance. They were determined, they were very disciplined in our tactical play during the game; you can see all the departments were very organised. I am even short of words…I am so happy for the performance and the score line today.”
The Golden boys make their way to Accra on Gameweek 3 to take on Accra Great Olympics.
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Story by: Andrews Sefa Bamfo | univers.ug.edu.gh
