Asante Kotoko were held to a scoreless draw against their sworn rivals Hearts of Oak at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The game was a battle between the two goalkeepers Razak Abalora and Richard Arthur as the duo saved a penalty each, and also made remarkable saves to keep their sides on their toes throughout the entire proceedings of the game.
Footballmadeinghana.com rated the performance of the players of both side’s by 10.
Asante Kotoko
Razak Abalora (7/10) –
Had a good game this afternoon. Committed few blunders, but was able to recover. Saved a penalty from a mistake he committed, as well as came to the rescue of his sides many times.
Christopher Nettey (5/10)-
The Right back had a good game today. In as much as he struggled in the first half, he many at times, prevented his foes from using the wings. Also attacked well on numerous occasions too.
Imoro Ibrahim (6/10)-
The Lateral defender was very great this afternoon. Had a good attacking encounter and also had a good recovery. Imoro was apt this afternoon.
Mubarak Yussif (5/10)-
Mubarak relatively was calm today. In as much he shielded the back for his side, he wasn’t on many challenges as a defender was expected to be.
Ganiyu Ismail (6/10)-
Ganiyu did a remarkable exercise today. He opposed many balls and defended as well. He did many of the dirty works at the central defense.
Emmanuel Sarkodie (4 /10) – Bad day in the office for the midfielder. His lack of influence in the game made Latif Anabila run more in the game. Was withdrawn for Adom Frimpong.
Latif Anabila (7 /10)-
The Central midfielder had a good day this afternoon. He was everywhere in the central midfield position. When his defensive midfielder was struggling, he came into support and was instrumental too, resulting in him getting a yellow card.
Emmanuel Gyamfi ( 5/10)-
The Winger did well, but didn’t live up to expectation. Couldn’t succeed in many of his attacking duties but had a good exercise in the defense as he mostly comes back to help his lateral counterpart.
Fabio Gama (6/10)-
Gama was the creative midfielder for the porcupines. He’s done very well. He always chase the ball for pass irrespective of the location. He did created spaces for his side in their buildup play.
Naby Keita ( 6 /10)- Good game by the Guinean attacker. Keita was everywhere on the pitch. Always draw deep to get the supplies. Was denied a goal by Richard Atta.
Kwame Poku (5/10)
Had a good game today. He missed a penalty in the first half, and was quiet in the first department of the game. Got a good run in the second half. He gave his opponents a very difficult exercise this afternoon. He hit the Woodwork in the second half.
Reserve
Adom Frimpong (4/10)-
He came on for Sarkodie who was NOT performing. Kwame’s job was just to lubricate the midfield and most importantly gives attacking options and the midfielder relatively did that on the average.
Mudasiru Salifu (4/10)-
With his creativity, he was supposed to create decent chances, but he underperformed. He had one chance that he could have passed to his teams mates on the die embers of the game but he chose to blow the ball away.
Hearts of Oak
Richard Attah ( 7/10)- Great game by the goalkeeper. Saved Kwame Poku’s penalty, before producing a good save to denied Naby Keita. Got all his calculation and anticipation on point.
Fatawu Mohammed ( 6/10)- Not a bad outing from the skipper. Went about doing his buisness on the day. His crossing resulted in Hearts of Oak penalty.
Raddy Ovouka ( 6/10)- Wasn’t at his usual best but Ovouka was solid on the day. Didn’t give Gyamfi any breathing space on the right. Contributed nothing in the attack m
Nuru Sulley ( 6/10)- Started the game on a bad note by causing a penalty after two minute in the game, grew in confidence and formed a very good partnership with Alhassan.
Mohammed Alhassan (7/10)- Gradually getting back to his best. Alhassan put no foot wrong in the game and did well to marked Kwame Poku out of the game. Was very strong in the air too.
Benjamin Afutu (7/10)- Another impressive display by Afutu. Protected the back four with his interception and timely tackles. His presence allowed Nuru Sulley and Alhassan to deal with Poku.
Manaf Umar ( 5/10)- Didn’t lived up to the expectation. Rarely got involved. Surprised he lasted the entire duration of the game.
Frederick Ansah
Botchway ( 7/10)- What a game he had. Botchway boss and dominated play in midfield. Had his passes right in point. Was the link between the midfield and attack with some good movement in the middle of the pitch.
Kwadwo Obeng Juniouxr ( 4/10) – Wasn’t the best of his days. Contributed nothing in the game. Was just a mere passenger in the game.
Victor Aidoo (5 /10) – Started the game very well but fade out as the game progress. Nearly got the opener in the first half but was denied by Abalora.
Patrick Razak (6 /10) – Was denied by the post just after Kotoko had missed their penalty. Caused a lot of problems to the Hearts defense but was let down by his final delivery. He should have done better in many instances.
Reserves
Isaac Mensah ( 6/10) – Made an instant impact by getting penalty. Took it upon himself to take it but his kick was saved by Razak Abalora.
Michelle Sarpong(4/10)-Did make any impact in the game.
Source: footballmadeinghana.com
