Asekem FC humble Pro Players Academy on penalties to be crowned Ashanti Regional Division Two champions
Asekem FC will finally have a taste of first division football next season after humbling Pro Players Academy 5-4 on penalties to emerge as Ashanti Regional Division Two champions after a pulsating 1-1 stalemate in regulation time.
The ‘Goals Nkoaa’ outfit started on a good note, having taken the game at their opponents and winning some early set pieces but couldn’t materialize in the opening minutes.
However, the Beposo Warriors took them by surprised after snatching the lead in just ten minutes from kickoff through Douglas Owusu who scored with a fine finish after controlling a great pass from Reindorf Antwi.
Pro Players with an opportunity to get the equalizer on the 17th minute after skipper Albert Mensah picked up Arthur Frank on the right but his cross went straight at the throat of goalkeeper Prince Osei.
Asekem skipper Anthony Opoku Dankwah made his way through the box nicely and looked like he was brought down in the box. A big appeal for penalty but the referee wasn’t interested and yellow carded him in addition.
The Oranges with a huge chance for a leveller on the 23rd minute but Williams Amanor had his cross stopped timely by goalkeeper Prince Osei.
Pro Players finally found the back of the net through winger Joseph Coffie but was flagged up for offside.
In the second half, the ‘Goals Nkoaa’ side came in really stronger in the second half and nearly got the equalizer but Albert Mensah had his shot went off an opposing player, an appeal for penalty but the referee overlooked that one.
Goalscorer Douglas Owusu came so close to doubling their lead on the 50th minute but his shot went off the crossbar. Just unlucky!
Pro Players Academy finally got back on level terms on the 66th minute through Amanor Williams who nipped on a loose clearance to struck into the net. Just what they have been hunting and left their fans in total raptures.
Asekem with a quick reply to restore their lead but Nicholas Opoku Nti was fouled by goalkeeper Edmund Agyemang just at the edge of the box. Quick one sent in but went wide for a goalkick.
On the 89th minute, the Beposo Warriors with another huge opportunity to score but Martin Karikari’s cross went wide over everyone in the box.
It ended 1-1 after full time. Asekem FC finished as the second division champions of Ashanti Region with a 5-4 win on penalty shootouts.
They have finally qualified to the national first division and will compete in zone in the 2022/23 season.
