Kumasi Asante Kotoko survived an early scare from Bechem United, who had an early penalty incident overturned by referee Osman Imoro, leaving both teams to share the spoils in a keenly contested game in Bechem.
Much of the talk heading into this clash resonated around Kotoko, who were on their worst losing spree in 14 years, failing to pick up a point in their last 4 games with 4 straight defeats.
A trip to Bechem always comes as a difficult nut to crack for The Porcupine Warriors, given that they are yet to pick up maximum points at the grounds in their last 5 visits. And so did the latest clash prove to be.
The absence of key players Richmond Lamptey and Peter Aminu was telling as Bechem asserted themselves in the early exchanges of the game, leading to Bechem’s Richard Annor stinging the palms of Danlad Ibrahim – deputizing for the injured Fredrick Asare-in post for Kotoko after 27 minutes.
Two minutes later, Annor was at the thick of proceedings once more but this time he was spearheading a wave of Bechem United appeals for a spot kick; Annor glided past two Kotoko challenges before his effort at goal came off the arm of Nurudeen Yusif, who went to ground and was adjudged to have handled the ball.
However, after referee Imoro Osman consulted his assistant linesman, the decision was rescinded, much to the relief of the Kotoko dugout heading into the break.
After the recess, neither team looked to take a hold of the game, which was lacking hugely in quality. Asante Kotoko, given their recent slump in form, would be happy to have walked out of Bechem unscathed, bearing in mind victories have been hard to come by on their visits.
The draw puts Kotoko ahead of defending champions Medeama in 7th position on 33 points, while Bechem United sit just outside the top 4 with 36 points.
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Story by: Andrews Sefa Bamfo | univers.ug.edu.gh
