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Soccer News of Monday, 16 September 2002

Source: GNA Sports

Kotoko Offinso supporters celebrate

Reminiscent of New Patriotic Party's (NPP) victory in the 2000 general elections, a large number of enthusiastic supporters of Kumasi Asante Kotoko on Saturday night trooped to the principal streets of Offinso to celebrate the club's qualification to the semi-finals of the Africa's Cup Winners' Cup with drumming and dancing.

Kotoko lost 2-4 to Egypt's El Mahala but qualified on account of a first leg 3-0 thrashing of their opponents in Kumasi two week earlier to go through on a 5-4 aggregate.

As soon as the final whistle went, a fleet of vehicles including mini buses and taxi drivers tooted their horns while elated supporters filled beer bars and other drinking spots to celebrate the qualification of their darling club to the semi-finals.

Speaking to the GNA Sports at Offinso, Mr Kwaku Nkansa-Darko, a Businessman and leading supporter of Kotoko, described the victory as "the work of God".

"Being haunted by the chicanery of North African clubs during such encounters and the crisis which hit the team as a result of the sacking of its coach, Ian Potterfield after the first leg match, the odds were heavily against Kotoko", he stressed.

Mr Nkansa-Darko said the outcome of the match in Egypt was the result of determination, perseverance and commitment of the players to die for the club.

He, however, commended the new coach, Ralf Zumdick and the technical team for their tactics infused into the game during the second half which helped the team to score two goals.