By: Bernard Nyankomago Yeboah

Date: 14-10-11

“I know matches between Kotoko and Ashgold are always crackers but there is no way they can escape defeat on Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium”.

This was the strong warning that Goalkeeper Soulama Abdoulaye gave to their regional rivals, Ashgold ahead of Sunday’s second week Glo Premier League fixture in Kumasi when speaking to Kotoko Express on Wednesday.

The Porcupine Warriors began their search for their 22nd league title with a pulsating 1-1 draw with Tema Youth last Sunday at the Tema Park.

They are very determined to win their next three matches against Ashgold, Bechem United and Kpando Heart of Lions which will all incidentally be played at their backyard in Kumasi in order to keep their dream alive in the competition.

But this resolve by Coach Maxwell Konadu and his boys will severely be tested by the miners who interestingly drew goalless with Kotoko the last time they stormed the Baba Yara Stadium in the 27th week fixture of the 2010/11 Glo Premier League.

Like Kotoko who shared honours with the Harbour City Boys in their opening league match last Sunday at Tema, the “Aboakese Boys” also drew 1-1 with Mysterious Ebusua Dwarfs at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium.

Each side will definitely prove a point this time round not only to confirm its superiority over the other as regional rivals but also to appease their followers.

But its obvious Kotoko stand as favourites to amass the three points at the expense of their opponent looking at the massive support they will enjoy at the Stadium coupled with the quality materials in their camp at the moment.

Commenting further on the game, the Burkinabe goalie, Soulama pointed out that unlike last season where they unfortunately lost their first league match 0-1 to Medeama SC in Kumasi and continued to drop some valuable points in other games, they have vowed to make the Baba Yara Stadium a “no go area” for visiting teams this time round.

He accordingly cautioned any opponent who will dare storm the venue to try Kotoko this season to prepare for nothing but defeat.

“We did not start well in Kumasi last season and that really affected us in some of the subsequent games. This time round we are determined to start on a flying note against Ashgold in order to serve as a warning to other participating clubs that the Baba Yara Stadium has become a dangerous terrain like to used to be some years back” he stated.

The tall and agile goalie is one of the long serving players in the current Kotoko set up together with midfield dynamo Stephen Oduro, Daniel Nii Adjei and Goalkeeper Isaac Amoako. He joined Kotoko from Burkinabe side ASFA Yenega prior to the commencement of the 2007/08 season.

For his four seasons stay in Oseikrom, Soulama has contributed immensely to the success of Asante Kotoko. He was the first choice goalie when Kotoko clinched the 2007/08 Onetouch Premier League trophy as well as the Baba Yara@50 Cup, SWAG Cup and the President Cup in the 2007/08 football season. He also helped Kotoko to make a great impact in that year’s CAF Confederation Cup where they qualified for the group stage.

Soulama describes his stint with Kotoko so far as successful and enjoyable. He is hoping to work hard and help Kotoko end their three seasons winless run in the league.

“I will describe my spell at Kotoko so far as very successful. I have really enjoyed everything in the club especially the way the supporters follow and cheer the team everywhere we go. It motivates and makes me feel happy as a player.

“Talking about trophies I think we have not done badly since I joined the club. My biggest disappointment is that we have not been able to win any league trophy since 2007/08. It is my wish to help Kotoko win it this time round”.

He asked Kotoko faithful to have absolute confidence that Coach Maxwell Konadu and the players are capable of making this target a reality urging them to debunk media reports that he might bid farewell to Kotoko at the end of the season.

Soulama was in the post when Kotoko drew 1-1 with Tema Youth last Sunday in Tema. Unlike some Kotoko supporters who were not satisfied with the results, Soulama believes getting a point away from home was not a bad start. His displeasure had to do with some decisions by Referee Vincent Otoo.

“This is just the beginning. We will correct our mistakes to ensure that we bounce back to the winning ways in the remaining matches. But let me add that we want fair officiating in the matches ahead because I was not pleased with the way referee Otoo handled our game against Tema Youth” he said assuring that there would be massive improvement in the post unlike last season where Kotoko conceded 27 goals in 30 matches.

He applauded the Kotoko supporters for the massive way they trooped to Tema to support the team and the fine comportment in the stands.