Opoku Nti faults Barreto’s approach in Kotoko’s Super Clash defeat

Asante Kotoko legend Samuel Opoku Nti has opined that the club’s approach in their league defeat to Accra Hearts of Oak was wrong.

The Porcupine Warriors faced their bitterest rivals in an all important Ghana Premier League clash with the title on the line.

The two teams were both on 53 points occupying the top 2 positions on the league table.

Hearts eventually edged their rivals by the odd goal with Daniel Afriyie scoring the only goal of the game.

Opoku Nti, who monitored the game keenly believes the approach of Ciach Mariano Barreto didn’t help Asante Kotoko as they struggled to create genuine goalscoring opportunities.

In an interview with Kumasi-based Silver FM, Opoku Nti said “Kotoko’s approach meant they lacked presence and failed to make the needed impact at the back.

“They couldn’t hold much possession in the final third. It was only after they conceded that they introduced strikers into the game. Unfortunately it looked a bit late for such,” Opoku Nti added.

“I don’t really understand why they had to set up that way. They lacked men upfront to punish Hearts whenever they attacked. That’s why they didn’t have any clear cut chance aside the one Okrah failed to convert. Generally, I think the approach attacking wise didn’t help, ” he concluded.

Following the defeat, Asante Kotoko trail Hearts of Oak by 3 points with three matches to go. Hearts also hold a better head to head record between the two sides.