Kotoko pip Faisal

ALHAJI Grusah's King Faisal put up a spirited peformance in their friendly football match against Porcupine Warriors, Kumasi Asante Kotoko at the Kumasi Stadium last Tuesday.

But in the end two classic goals by sensational Patrick Duodu, formerly of Opoku Oware Secondary School, separated the two sides, giving Kotoko a 2-1 victory over their opponents.

The youngsters, who became the toast of fans at the end of the entertaining game, scored in the 59th and 66th minutes at a time King Faisal had put incessant pressure on Kotoko in the second half with the view of snatching the lead.

In spite of Patrick's performance, it was goalkeeper Osei Boateng who brightened the day for Kotoko with some brilliant saves to give Kotoko the needed tonic to fight on.

After the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo had inspected the teams at 6 p.m. both teams started the game on a fast note, with the ball swinging from one end of the pitch to the other, giving the spectators a special independence treat.

In the 10th minute, veteran Nana Frimpong playing against his former club, nearly opened the scores for Kotoko but goalkeeper Mansuru Mohammed in post for Faisal made light work of Frimpong's volley to receive applause for the fans.

With Johnson Eklu, formerly of Okwawu United, Joe Okyere and David Topssou, leading the attack with active support from Castro Boateng and Anas Mohammed at the midfield, Kotoko started making serious incursions into Faisal's territory but the denfence of Faisal which revolved around Fimpong Mamfo, Ibrahim Hadi and Sampson Thompson held them in check.

In the 38th minute, Patrick Duodu replaced Kwaku Kyere and his inclusion brought more bite in the Kotoko attacking machinery but it was King Faisal who nearly scored in the 39th when Stephen Debrah capitalised on a defensive blunder in the box but his tricky shot missed target narrowly to the relief of Kotoko.

King Faisal continued their onslaught and piled much pressure on Kotoko in the second half and their effort almost paid off in the 53rd minute, but Abubakari Yahaya's slot which caught Osei Boateng wrong footed hit the cross bar and bounced back into play.

For over 10 minute Faisal kept the Kotoko goal area boiling but failed to convert the chances that came their way.

In the 59th minute, Patrick Duodu set the stadium agog with his first goal for Kotoko against the run of play.

The nimble-footed player collected the ball midway on the field, out-paced two defenders, teased goalkeeper Mansuru out from the goalpost before sending the ball into the far corner of the net.

Seven minutes later, Duodu was on target again but this time it was Johnson Eklu who initiated the attack at the left flank.

He dummied two defenders before sending a volley for Duodu who was hovering around to connect beautifully.

Sensing danger, King Faisal lauched a last minute attack and reduced the tally in the 84th minute through Nuru Ahmed.