Soccer News of Thursday, 16 June 2011

Source: GNA

Medeama savours Top Four finish

Accra, June 16, GNA - Tarkaw-based Medeama SC has made a Top Four finish on a third attempt and the Club that labored to survive the Premier League only a season ago is savouring the moment they have termed impressive.

Coach Bashiru Hayford in his second season with the Club, told GNA Sports in Accra on Wednesday, 93we gave ourselves a target to finish among the Top Four; this is impressive.

"We have achieved our target and what we are going to do now is use the Top Four to catapult our preparation for next season."

Medeama on Wednesday lost out on second place to Kumasi Asante Kotoko in a special play off to determine the second team of the league log after both teams tied on points at the end of the season but the team has refused to allow the defeat to kill their joy.

Both teams were tied on 46 points apiece and equal points via head-to-head, after the league season to necessitate a play-off in line with the regulations of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

"For a young team to achieve this is very impressive. We have set the record for teams in Tarkwa and for years to come, any team that comes up in the area will be measured with this record."

"The record is clear for all to see and this is the springboard for the future."

Medeama, until this season known as Kessben will play Champions Berekum Chelsea, Kotoko and dethroned Champions, Aduana in the Top Four, their first since joining the Premiership in 2008.

A first half brace from Ivorian-import Ahmed Toure powered Asante Kotoko to a 2-1 victory over Medeama in their second place play-off.

Medeama pulled one back from recess and had an appeal for penalty in the closing stages of the games ignored by referee Seidu Bomison after Kotoko's defender John Kuffour impeded Asamoah in his attempt to clear a ball.

The victory ensured the Porcupine Warriors finished behind uncrowned champions, Berekum Chelsea in the standings of the 2010/2011 Premier League season, with Medeama claiming third place.