Kotoko are SWAG champs again

Kumasi Asante Kotoko on Sunday defeated Dansoman Liberty Professional 2-1 to lift the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) trophy dubbed H P Nyemetei Cup at the nations Wembley, Accra Sports Stadium.

The game which was a real characteristics of Kotoko /Liberty encounter saw the Osei-Krom lads drawing the first blood in the third minutes through enterprising Abedi Sarfo. Sarfo had picked a pass from speed star Michael Osei outside the penalty box and dribbled his way through the Liberty defence with ease before placing a low grounder into the net with goalkeeper Cudjo Addo helpless to set the stadium ablaze. The game saw balance dominance in the rest of the first half.

From recess, both teams lifted up their game with midfield gem Stephen Oduro's free kick just outside the vital area missing the post narrowly. Kotoko who had he best of the exchanges during the third quarter of the game, pinned the Attuquayefio lads to their own half creating anxious moment for them.

At a stage when the fabulous boys seemed to be walking home with a lone goal victory, the Sly Tetteh lads suddenly lifted their game and threatened the Kotoko defence marshal around Joe Hendricks with much ease. Liberty who needed to win the game at all cost after having bowed thrice to Kotoko this year played more aggressively like wounded lions.

It however came as no surprise when William Tierro who had a splendid afternoon equalised for Liberty in the 74th minutes. Louis Quanioo pushed home Tierro’s 25- metre harmless shot obviously because he had underrated the shot. The goal gave liberty the confidence to attack their opponent but to no avail.

The much winner by Kotoko was not anticipated by fans because Liberty was on top, came seven minutes to the end of the game through Osei who lobbed home after Goalkeeper Cudjo had failed to make a first time save. The trophy was presented to Kotoko by the deputy minister of Youth and Sports Joe Aggrey. Kotoko has thus won the Cup on a 3-1 aggregate having won the first encounter 1-0 in Kumasi last week