By: David Kyei

Date: 13-12-11

Head coach, Maxwell Konadu has described the 1-0 win over Tanzania league leaders, Simba SC, as a moral boosting victory that has set the tone for fireworks in tomorrow’s epic match against Berekum Chelsea at the Baba Yara Stadium.

He also says that the pressure and poor officiating that characterised the match against Simba has also opened the yes of his players “especially the new ones that continental football is a different ball game that requires of them to stay focused and alert for the duration of the match”.

Speaking to Kotoko Express, he expressed satisfaction at the way his charged held their own and decided to set their own pace thereby giving the Tanzanian side many uncomfortable moments to worry about.

“I have always insisted that we play our own game in matches and I am glad that it is sinking in with the players. By that, we also get the chance to determine our own destiny”.

Though his players were happy and were celebrating the victory, he on the other hand preferred to hold on till he had achieved his heart’s desire for this week.

“Yes the players can celebrate the victory because it is an international match that has enhanced their pedigree. However, I have a bigger fish to fry in the match against Chelsea on Wednesday and so I will wait till a sound victory is achieved on Wednesday after which I will combine the victories and celebrate”.

“My humble appeal therefore to Kotoko supporters is that, they are the difference that set us apart from the other clubs in the league. They are the twelfth person of our team and so I will urge them to come to the stadium on Wednesday in their numbers to cheer us on”.

“Their presence gives the players the extra energy to perform and so I plead with them to come all out”.

In the match, Kotoko kicked off on a slow pace as they used greater part of the first half to study their opponents who had been charged by the huge number of their fans who had turned up for the event.

Simba SC threatened Kotoko very early in the match as on the 7^th minute, they out numbered the Kotoko defence. However, Soulama Abdoulaye in post for Kotoko pulled a spectacular save to pluck the ball which was flying straight into the net. This save was the first of six similar close range save he pulled to save the day for Kotoko.

17^th minute: Kotoko got Simba on a counter attack but poor communication between Michael Anaba, Kofi Nti Boakye and David Ofei robbed Kotoko a fine opportunity to take the lead. They all stood thinking the other will tap in the ball. In the end, the ball freely rolled past the front of the goalpost for a welcome goal kick.

20^th minute: Kotoko getting into their elements as they start pummeling the Simba goal area with shots from all angles. However, most of the shots were either too feeble to beat the goalkeeper or they missed the target widely.

30^th minute:  Nat Asamoah initiated what happened to be a very glorious moment for Kotoko by coming deep to collect a pass and charged into the goal area of Simba. Using wall-passes, he outwitted two defenders and fired a powerful shot at goal. The ball grazed the bar and landed right behind the goal line for a clear goal, but centre referee, Israel Mujuni ignored Kotoko’s appeal for the goal.

Kotoko from this time on started using the wings to advantage.

38^th minute: Amos Frimpong did a quick recovery to scoop a goal bound shot from the Kotoko goal line.

41^st minute: Michael Anaba disposed the Simba goalkeeper of the ball but turned to find none of his colleagues in sight for a pass. He therefore held on till Simba defenders recovered to dispossess him of the ball.

The moment became the talked about from that time till the match went into recess.

48^th minute: Kofi Nti Boakye connected a David Ofei cross to score, but his celebration was cut short as assistant referee one ruled it an offside.

63^rd minute: Maxwell Konadu became so worried with the poor officiating that he had a heated argument with the assistant referee one who ignored the many dangerous tackles on Kotoko players, with Nat Asamoah being the worst victim.

78^th minute: Substitute Daniel Nii Adjei powerfully connected to a Michael Anaba cross to record Kotoko’s goal that turned out to be the only goal of the match.

Coach Maxwell exhausted his substitutions as he brought on more men to stabilize his team till the final whistle.

Kotoko: Soulama Abdoulaye, Sabato Mohamed/Yaw Frimpong, Amos Frimpong/Baba Rahman, Ohene Brenya, Awal Mohamed, Afranie Yeboah, David Ofei/Stephen Oduro, Michael Akuffu, Kofi Nti Boakye/Daniel Nii Adjei, Nathaniel Asamoah/Nafiu Idrissu, Michael Anaba/Frank Boateng

Unused substitute: Felix Annan