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Soccer News of Wednesday, 11 December 2002

Source: Ghanaian Chronicle

Better Luck Next Time, Kotoko

The porcupine warriors, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, over the weekend, crashed out of the grand finale of the CAF Cup Winners Cup at Kumasi, despite a 2-1 home win.

Kotoko had performed creditably well in far away Casablanca where their opponents managed a slim 1-0 victory through a controversial penalty.

Kotoko's headache was that they were unfortunately not able to keep the marauding Moroccans from putting in a goal that counted for two to get Kotoko out.

It must, however, go on record that Kotoko did well in both matches and lived up to their name and the porcupine tradition. They put two goals into their opponents net and conceded two.

The Chronicle congratulates the team on a brave and courageous performance and wish them better lick next time. They did their best to die for the country but since it is one and only team that will win there is no point crying over spilt milk or accusing and shifting blame.

Let us just simply say Kotoko did very well but the Moroccans did better. Knowing what Kotoko are capable of doing and knowing how solidly they have been able to build the current squad, we should not be surprised if they won the next series.

We also believe the technical men at the helm of affairs in Kotoko will by now have done their post mortem and seen where they slipped technically so as to develop strategies to ensure that the team strengthens it defensive capacity.

The paper also, on behalf of our readers and all Ghanaians, especially the supporters of the various clubs in Ghana who closed their ranks and expressed solidarity to the Porcupine warriors in their historic match, wish them well.

Sad that Kotoko were not able to give their former chairman, Mr. J. A. Kufuor, a presidential and fitting birthday present. Sad, too, that the Asantehene's champagne glass was compelled to remain dry when everything was set for a grand picnic and carnival.

As we pray for more propitious times, we would impress on supporters of the great and fabulous Asante Kotoko to take it cool and begin to help the team brace up for their next assignments at the international level.

There is nothing the Ghanaian cannot do, especially when the right motivation is there. We are convinced that Kotoko will do it in grand style next year, if only they plan well and work at it.