MATCH REPORT : Kotoko quest to the top stalled by an impressive Olympics with a draw.
An unexpected lucklustre showing against much impressive Olympics side, who even came away from the Baba Yara stadium disappointed not to be taking all three points with them. The most upset is when just a win could have hoist Kotoko to the league’s summit.
Seydou Zerbo’s men failed to register shot on target in the first half but had the most dominance with 55% possession. Apparently, Olympics were happy to let Kotoko control the game, as long as they didn’t concede, they sat deep and were able to deal with all the flying balls that was fed to Steven Mukwala. Kotoko lacked the creative force even when Richmond Lamptey and Eric Zeze were plunged in the midfield.
It continued to be a frustrating afternoon for Asante Kotoko later on, as Mubarik Yusif was forced out after Charles Owusu had already been subbed off at the death of the first half due to poor performance. Left back, Abdul Bashiru put the visitors ahead with a fantastic low drive through a square pass from the right in the 47th minutes.
Many efforts from Asante Kotoko searching for parity and to hope for a winner were quashed by Olympics low-blocking defensive line. Equalizer seemed inevitable even when Zerbo had thrown in all his arsenals into the dying embers. It was in the last ditch of the ten (10) minutes added on, when Andrews Appau with a feeble touch converted Enoch Morrison’s free kick with a header to tie the game for Asante Kotoko.
Hopes to the top is halted after just a point addition to Eighteen is incapable to dislodge the top bearers. Asante Kotoko will look to put this match behind them and prove a point as they head to Aliu Mahama sports stadium against Tamale City on Next weekend. Aduana Star still lead with two points ahead and the league champions will need another test to prove their worth for the top spot.