Asante Kotoko held Kenya’s Kariobangi Sharks to a barren draw in the first leg of the CAF Confederations Cup first round at the Kasarani Stadium on Saturday, December 15.
It was exactly top quality with sharks avoided conceding a crucial away goal while Kotoko just but managed to hold their nerves for a draw away from home and will look to capitalize on the result in the return leg. However, Sharks will only need a scoring draw in Kumasi next Saturday to progress to the second round.
Here’s how Asante Kotoko players were rated:
FELIX ANNAN 6.0 – Not really troubled but was able to make do with few shots. He took a number of crosses and distributed accurate kicks to his team members.
AMOS FRIMPONG 6.5 – Defended and handled his department well. Come in with few overlapping.Â
AUGUSTINE SEFA 7.5 – Good game for the 'teacher'. Allowed Emmanuel Gyamfi to make runs of the right flank and defensively did well.
AGYEMAN BADU 8.0 – One or two dodgy moments on the ball on his debut start in Africa, his final delivery after the balls from the opponent was bit poor but generally more solid. He was composed and efficient and denied by a last-ditch effort by clearing the ball off the goal line in the 40th minute.
ABDUL GANIYU 8.5Â - Much improved, Solid at the back, did many clearance and interceptions. Had his best game in the Kotoko colours, his timing was superb and won almost all his aerial duel.
RICHARD SENANU 7.5 – Great display from the young enterprising defensive midfielder. Very calm on the ball and shields his back men well. He’s energetic.
JORDAN OPOKU 6.5 – Operated from the right side in attacking sometimes comes in the middle to play as the playmaker. Worked hard Showed his experience in the midfield.
EMMANUEL GYAMFI 9.0 – A constant thorn in Sharks' flesh and almost handed Kotoko a late lead in the 85th minute when his effort from just the edge of the penalty area shaved the net on it's way out. His running was all over the place. We’ve seen an improved Gyamfi from his last 3 games.Â
MAXWELL BAAKOH 7.0 - Though he struggled a bit on his debut but showed good strength. He was eager to get a goal on his debut but never had it. Used his pace to torment the Sharks defence, He’s still young and giving the needed time and support, we will be a hit.
MARTIN ANTWI 5.0 – Not a good debut for the former WAFA captain. He failed to steal the show for the Porcupines. He will need to improve his performance in the second league.
NABY KEITA 6.0 – Preferred ahead of Yacouba as the target man but failed to make any huge impact in the game, he had a chance to break the deadlock in the first half when Gyamfi whipped in a cross that was met by the head of Keita with his nodded effort just clearing the crossbar in the 42nd minute. He was far from his best and got substituted in the second half.
Read also: CAF CC: Kotoko plays goalless with Kariobangi Sharks in Kenya
SUBSTITUTE:
SOGNE YACOUBA 6.5 – Was introduced to bring an extra bite to the Kotoko attack but was off the pace. Showed some glimpses of what to expect when he is fit. His surging runs were good and caused more problems for his opponent.
DANIEL NII ADJEI 5.0 – Brought on to stabilize the Kotoko midfield and was a little careful. Has great energy and recovery pace.
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