GPL Review: Mbella strikes again as leaders Asante Kotoko defeat Olympics to widen gap

Frank Mbella Etouga struck again as Asante Kotoko ensured a comfortable home win over Accra Great Olympics, in furtherance boosting their quest to clinch this season’s Ghana Premier League title.

The Porcupine Warriors hosted the Dade Boys on Friday in the first match of the Ghana Premier League Match Week 15 fixtures.

Prior to the game, the home side boasted a rich record that indicated their rich vein of form. They had gone 7 matches unbeaten; winning 5 times and drawing twice). This had seen them establish a healthy gap between them and second-placed Aduana by 6 points.

The helmsman, Coach Prosper Narteh-Ogum was keen to keep the run intact and lined up against the day’s opponent with a strong squad.

Our 𝙒𝘼𝙍𝙍𝙄𝙊𝙍𝙎 to face the Dade Boys this afternoon!!🏹⚔#AKSC #KOTOLY #GPLmd15 pic.twitter.com/8ZLGZZalJH

— Asante Kotoko SC (@AsanteKotoko_SC) January 28, 2022

Great Olympics who had not really impressed in their last 5 games started the game without midfield enforcer James Akaminko who was suspended due to card accumulation. They however welcomed Maxwell Abbey-Quaye into the side following his time with Ghana’s Black Stars at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Ready 👌🏾#DADE pic.twitter.com/Ks2cO5XSBJ

— OLY DADE (@AccraGtOlympics) January 28, 2022

The game started on a brighter note for the home side who began to make incursions as early as the 1st minute.

This electric start unsettled the visitors who looked a bit too casual from the onset.

Kotoko’s early pressure paid off as Cameroonian striker Franck Mbella who’s on red hot form was fouled in the box in the first quarter of the game. The Match referee did not hesitate in whistling for a penalty kick to the home team’s advantage.

Mbella stepped up and delivered an accurate finish to eventually put his side ahead with fifteen minutes gone.

Shortly after scoring, Kotoko still pushed forward to double their advantage. That sought after second goal came nearly 20 minutes later.

A ball into the box found Richmond Lamptey whose failure to control the ball was a blessing in disguise for Mbella.

Sensing an opportunity, the striker unleashed a shot which was half blocked but still hit the post. The ball then deflected off Olympics Goalkeeper Stephen Kwaku into the net to give the home side the cushioning.

The result stayed as such at the break and even so after recess, ensuring Kotoko now go 8 matches without defeat in the Top flight.

The Porcupine Warriors now increase their point tally to 33 with a game in hand, and open up a 9 points gap between them and second placed Aduana Stars.

In the case of Mbella, he now moves joint top of the top scorers list, netting 8 goals so far.

The next matches for match week 15 shall be honored on Saturday and Sunday.