By: David Kyei

Date: 26-07-11

Losing a cup final is a painful experience but to also play poorly in the said match has set excruciating pain through the hearts of Kotoko players and their officials.

Hours after the match and back in the hotel, the pain of the defeat was so pronounced on the players that mustering the strength and the willingness to speak to the press became impossibility for the night.

However, attacker Fatawu Mohamed and goalkeeper Soulama braved their worries and shared their pain and disappointments with the paper.

On the part of Soulama Abdoulaye, he was so down cast and worried that after all the pain and struggle in the season, they had nothing to show.

“It is so sad and disappointing that we have had to end the season on this unpleasant note. We at least had our minds and eyes set on winning the FA Cup to give our team owner, management and the supporters a last laugh, but alas all these have become a mirage for us”.

On the match itself, Soulama for once could not hide his disappointment when he blamed the lack of a team spirit in their approach to the game.

“There was too much individual show in our play and our lackadaisical approach in the early hours of the game set a poor start for us. We only showed a sense of urgency in our game after we had conceded a goal and the time was to short for us to make any meaningful impact”.

“I feel so disappointed and downcast. Though the match was a difficult one, I knew and had the confidence that we were going to win. It is a painful defeat but the only thing we can say as a team is not to brood too much over it and look at the goodness the next season will bring”.

“To the supporters of Kotoko, I share in your pain and concerns and assure you that the next season will be a different and good story that we all will smile and be happy about”.

On his part, swift and fast footed Fatawu Mohamed believes the team suffered a breakdown of tactics and that is the main reason for the lose.

According to him, Nania Fc decided to use their youthful exuberance and pace to wear them down and made a good use of the minutest chance that came their way.

“I don’t wont to believe or say that we underrated Nania because their having qualified to the finals on merit clearly told me that they would not be push-over, but the way we played the much on the other hand also affirms that something was not done right on the day”.

“When I bring my self to bear on why and how we played so poorly, the only thing that comes to mind is the sense of disappointment and sadness”.

Though he says despite that he could not win any medal this season, he however does not in any way regret his decision to come to Kotoko ahead of the many suitors that were after him.

“There  is no doubt that Kotoko remains the biggest brand that one has to be associated with if you really want to move up the ladder in your carry. I therefore do not regret coming to Kotoko. Not being able to win a trophy this season is only a one off thing that would be fully compensated for next season”.

“I therefore encourage Kotoko fans to take heart and keep supporting because we will turn the tables in the coming season,” he concluded.