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Soccer News of Thursday, 5 September 2002

Source: GNA

Kotoko Won't Be Overtaken By Events - Pro

Mr Haruna Mohamed, Public Relations Officer of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, has affirmed Kotoko's intention not to allow the 3-0 trouncing of Ghazel El-Mahala of Egypt in Kumasi be an obstacle to their qualification for the semi-finals of this year's Africa Cup Winners cup.

In this regard, he said, Kotoko has decided to treat every match before the team emplanes for Egypt for the return encounter with all seriousness that it deserves.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with GNA Sports in Kumasi, Mr Mohamed said Kotoko's determination to win this year's Cup Winners Cup competition could not be halted by any complacency on the part of the team.

He indicated that Egyptian teams have not been mere push overs in such deciding matches with Ghanaian teams especially Kotoko.

Highlighting the team's enviable feat chalked last Sunday, Mr Mohamed reiterated that coach Ernst Middledorp is still remembered for his immense contribution to the re-building of Kotoko, noting that the foundation of the team was built by Ernst.

Whoever takes over, he said, will be reaping from the good work by the German coach.

The PRO was full of commendation for Hamza Mohamed who he said was drafted into the team without difficulty and attributed his progress to hard work and discipline.

He regretted that in spite of the warm reception given to other African teams by their Ghanaian counterparts in Ghana, the same cannot be said when Ghanaian teams travel to honour matches outside the country.

The PRO pointed out that with this in mind Kotoko players have been psyched up for any eventuality in Egypt recalling the ordeal they went through in Angola against Athletico Sonangol.

Mr Mohamed therefore called on all Ghanaians to rally behind Kotoko in their attempt to annex the Cup Winners Cup this year.