|
Berekum Arsenal’s dominance is worrying – Jarvis Peprah
By: Jerome
Otchere, Kumasi
11:45 26-04-10
For seven
years Asante Kotoko FC has been unable to beat Berekum Arsenal
at the notorious Golden City Park and that development according
to the club’s spokesman, Jarvis Peprah, is worrying.
The Porcupine
Warriors last Sunday were beaten 2-0 by the Berekum lads despite
the high confidence with which they stormed the Brong Ahafo
Regional town.
Speaking to
Kotoko Express hours after the match, Jarvis Peprah observed
that it was time a final solution was found to stop Berekum
Arsenal’s 10 years dominance over Asante Kotoko at the Golden
City Park at Berekum.
Although he
humbly conceded that the Gunners are very strong and therefore
difficult to conquer in front of their fans, Kotoko could still
work harder than they have done in the past to break the jinx
that has prevented them from winning there.
The last time
the Porcupine Warriors beat Berekum Arsenal at the Golden City
Park was in the 2003 season and that encounter which was full of
grudge and tension ended 2-1. Since then Kotoko’s best result
has been a draw and last season, there was near humiliation for
Asante Kotoko as they conceded three goals after taking the lead
in that midweek clash.
Jarvis Peprah
said regardless of how formidable Berekum Arsenal has been at
their infamous Golden City Park over the years, the Porcupine
Warriors must redouble their efforts next time to secure a win.
“It is not as
if we have not beaten them there before. Not long ago, you
published the records for all to see. So it means we have beaten
them in Berekum before. We did it in the past and we can do it
again. We simply have to work hard” said Jarvis Peprah.
Sunday’s match
largely passed on without the usual needless controversies and
unjustified violence that have normally characterized premier
league matches played at the Golden City Park. Indeed despite
the threats by some of officials of the home team that they
would not allow the live television transmission of the match,
the game was broadcast live without any hitch.
Commenting on
the game itself, the Kotoko spokesman described the defeat as
unfortunate. He said a win would have greatly enhanced Asante
Kotoko’s hopes of participating in this year’s Ghalca Top 4
competition.
Notwithstanding the pain of the defeat which could deeply be
felt in Jarvis Peprah’s voice, he remained positive.
“We do not
have to give up because of this loss. It’s painful. It is always
painful when Kotoko loses but we should not be too worried. We
must focus on the remaining matches – in fact the next one
against Ashantigold is a must win one”. |
