Asante Kotoko SC has progressed to the Money Zone of this year’s CAF Confederation Cup after a 2-1 win over Coton Sport de Garoua.
In a frantic opening period, it took Kotoko 44 minutes for the deadlock to be broken. After a superb run by Yacouba, Anduolo was left helpless as he brought down the Burkinabe import for a penalty and skipper, Amos Frimpong did justice to the ball to give the Reds the lead before the break.
Oumarou Sali reduced the tally for Coton Sport three minutes to full time to bring the score to 2-1 in favor of Asante Kotoko.
In a shambolic defensive display, the visitors' fragility demonstrated in their loss last weekend in Yaounde was being exposed once more.
Maxwell Baakoh got to the end of a dropped ball and teased the Coton Sport goalie to get off his line before shooting into the far corner to double the lead for Kotoko on the 53rd minute.
Key Talking Point
Having already beaten the likes of Kariobangi Sharks at the Baba Yara stadium weeks ago, the Porcupine Warriors came out the firing blocks quickest against their close challengers.
In their accustomed 4-2-3-1 set up, front pairing Yacouba and Fatawu tormented a shoddy back line, with Fatawu playing in an advanced attacking role. The duo displayed a ruthlessness to this performance often lacking in previous matches and fully deserved to come away with all three points to seal qualification for Asante Kotoko.
STAR MAN
At the forefront of a clinical first-half attacking display, Baakoh was a menace all afternoon. Showing great composure for his goal. The diminutive player demonstrated a typical all-around display with his clever movement in the final third.
Despite not having the pedigree of a recognized striker, the former Karela United Wideman showed incredible composure for his goal.
Overall it was a well-deserved win for the Reds. PrimeNewsGhana take a look at how each of the Asante Kotoko players performed against Coton Sport.Â
Felix Annan-7
Annan, unfortunately, couldn't keep a clean sheet. However, most of the work was done by the players in front of him. Coton Sport didn't test Annan much from their play.
The goalkeeper only had to make one save, and sweep up one or two through balls. Other than that, it was a quiet game.
Amos Frimpong-7.5
The skipper had his best game so far in the playoff round, and a performance that earned him the qualification as a skipper of the Reds. An outlet as ever, but his deliveries from set-pieces weren't consistent enough. Underlined his often overlooked defensive nous with two fine interceptions after the interval.
Abass Mohammed-8
Like the rest of the defense, Abass certainly had plenty of good moments, with one or two crunching tackles catching the eye. His passing was a bit off though, with the lowest accuracy of any defender by a very long way.
In his defense, that was partly because he got forward and took offensive risks so often.
That resulted in a couple of chances created, jointly leading the team in that regard after replacing suspended Augustine Sefah.
Abdul Ganiyu-8
Refused to be outmuscled by the lumbering Kamilo Dauoda, the budding defender marshaled his troops well.
No-nonsense from the ex-karela center-back who was happy to belt it clear when required. But some of his passing was erratic.
He single-handedly muscled Kamilou Dauoda out of the game keeping him quiet for the majority of the play
Agyemang Badu 8.5
Badu won all of his attempted tackles and six of his nine duels as he formed a formidable partnership with Abdul Ganiyu in the afternoon. The duo’s performance was rather bizarrely capped off as the youngster defended to seal qualification for Kotoko.
Badu has been a revelation at the center-back position for Asante Kotoko since his arrival from division one side, Phar Rangers last season. Consistency seems to be the name of his game.
Richard Senanu-8.5
Senanu put in one of his best Kotoko performances without the ball. He made nine tackles, more than double the figure any Coton Sport player managed and all-but-one Kotoko player too.
His ability to read the play was crucial on occasion. Busy and simply kept on taking the game to Coton Sport.
Though his pass accuracy wasn’t so impressive, as he took a lot of positive risks, it’s really more important he gets the defensive work right anyway.
Kwame Bonsu-9
As he so often does since earning a spot C.K Akonnor's team, Bonsu led the team in possession. He created a couple of chances and completed seven long balls, more than any other outfield player for Kotoko.
Ran the show in midfield, dominated the Cottoners, tidied up and drove Kotoko on.
The former Gefle IF midfielder always looks more comfortable when Senanu is around and provided a shield for the defense. He was PrimeNewsGhana's man of the math. Brilliant
Fatawu Mohammed- 7
Fatawu was given a specific task by Akonnor, and he executed the game plan excellently. His job was to man-mark Gueme Araina and shut down Coton Sport's main man in their build-up play, which he did without any problems.
The former Inter Allies man also added to Kotoko's offensive threat, and the striker ahead of him certainly benefitted from his presence. However, his main job was to stop Araina, and he did so almost faultlessly.
Emmanuel Gyamfi-8
On the right wing but so often central, he was given space to sprint at the Coton sport defense and had timely runs on the flanks, and continued to threaten the second half.
He kept doing what he does best, a little bit of everything. He broke up play, passed the ball to initiate attacks and was present to take a couple of shots too. It was an all-around performance
Maxwell Baakoh-8.5
Such a lively show from the diminutive winger, buzzing with intent, harassing opponents and creating chances. Played a part in the opener, too and grazed his performance with a stunning goal to seal the win for the reds.
Ostensibly on the left but drifted inside whenever he could, he helped Kotoko control the midfield. A little more patience around the box was required, however.
Sogne Yacouba- 8Â
Coton Sport recognized his danger and kept him under a close watch, but the burkinabe never stopped working and it made space in which others capitalized.
The Burkinabe striker worked really hard for the team, making three fantastic tackles. He perhaps could’ve done better with one shot in the first half, and he struggled a bit to link up with his teammates, especially when went off.
Nonetheless, he put the effort in and did his job, and he was a threat despite his limited touches.
Substitutes
Prince Acquah-6
Acquah wasn’t very involved in the final half an hour, but he did create one chance and make one tackle, so his rare contributions were positive ones.
Obed Owusu-5.5
He did accidentally walk the ball off the pitch at one point after replacing Yacouba, but he otherwise filled in for Yacouba pretty well.
Read also: CAF CC: Asante Kotoko advance to the group stage after win over Coton Sport