By: Jerome Otchere

Date: 09-05-11

Against the backdrop of losing almost every friendly match it has played in the second of half of this season, questions are being asked as to why Asante Kotoko performs well in competitive matches but turns unimpressive in their friendly assignments of late.

So far the Porcupines have lost all four of their trial matches against well organised sides. The defeats notwithstanding, technical handlers of the team say there are still good reasons to organise the friendly matches.

Last Sunday at Bekwai, they lost 0-1 to New Edubiase FC courtesy a 38th minute goal by striker John Arthur who capitalised on a defensive lapse to send a good shot from the right side of attack which Kotoko trial goalkeeper, Nana Bonsu had absolutely no answer to. Earlier, Kotoko who paraded virtually a second string team had failed woefully to utilise three glorious chances all of which fell to lead striker, Edward Afum and though it was a friendly match, it was painful watching the Porcupines lose to New Edubiase after exhibiting a fine performance.

Sunday’s defeat came on the back of three other loses to the Black Meteors (0-2), Africa Sports of Cote d’Ivoire (2-3) and Division One League side, Yegoala FC (0-1). Responding to Kotoko Express’ questions on the obviously unimpressive results, Assistant Trainer, Prince Acheampong alias Coach Sabuto said the essence of their friendly matches is to help assess the performance of players who have not been part of the regular side.

While indicating that the technical team basically uses non-regular players for the trial matches Coach Sabuto added that the focus of the technical team has not been on score lines but rather the work rate of the players maintaining that the ultimate aim is to rehearse tactics and identify weaknesses which could then be worked on.

Coach Sabuto explained that some of the non-regular players have as a result fared well in competitive matches after getting adequate playing time in friendly games. The Assistant Coach who led the team to Bekwai in the absence of Serbian Bogdan Korak, cited Afranie Yeboah and Stephen Oduro as typical examples and argued that the work rate of these players have improved enormously in competitive matches after their consistent performance in the trial matches.

At Bekwai, both Stephen Oduro and Afranie Yeboah performed well except that the latter did not finish the game. He was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 90th minute. Trial goalkeeper, Nana Bonsu despite conceding a goal was excellent in post. His timing, anticipation and aerial interventions were excellent. He also pulled a number of fantastic saves throughout.

Whereas Aziz Ansah and Gershon Akuffo were almost flawless, Ofosu Appiah, notwithstanding a second half injury that called for his substitution was uncompromising at the back with Henry Ohene Brenya. Obeng Regan left the pitch earlier than expected due to ill-health. However, he had showed a lot of brilliance prior to his substitution. Samed Oppong was at his dribbling best; his passes and crosses were accurate. He also cut into the opponents defence with finesse.

The partnership between Edward Afum and Alhassan Bukari did not produce any goal yet the former came very close to scoring three times only to miss the target agonisingly in all three occasions. New Edubiase on the whole were tough customers and though substitute players Louis Quainoo, Umar Gariba, Foster Kwame Boakye, Owusu Ansah Kontoh and Kwame Boateng fared well their good efforts could still not aid Kotoko to get the equaliser.

Kotoko line-up: Nana Bonsu, Aziz Ansah/Owusu Ansah Kontoh, Gershon Akuffo, Henry Ohene Brenya, Ofosu Appiah/Umar Gariba, Afranie Yeboah, Obeng Regan/Louis Quianoo, Stephen Oduro, Alhassan Bukari/Kwame Boateng, Edward Afum, Samed Oppong/Foster Kwame Boakye.