Isaac Oppong: Youngster has been a revelation in Asante Kotoko’s bright start to life in Ghana Premier League
Asante Kotoko have got their season on track just into early stage under Prosper Nartey Ogum but much credit should go to teenager Isaac Oppong who has been one of the club’s best performers so far.
Kotoko had a neutral pre-season in the United Arab Emirates which put doubt of success in the 2021-2022 season. But the Kumasi based side have pulled a surprise into the early season winning their first two games of the season.
They come from a goal down to beat Dreams FC 3-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium in the Ghana Premier League opener before grabbing two late goals against Bechem United at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in a game touted as ‘home coming’ returning to after 20 months of sidelines from the famous Stadium in the Garden City.
Both Kotoko’s victories have largely been influenced by Isaac Oppong who joined from Ghana football lower tier this summer with low expectation on the young winger given his low experience in Ghanaian top flight.
Kotoko signed the 18-year old from Division Two side Bectero Sassana on a four-year contract and quickly broke into Prosper Nartey’s 18-man squad.
Having been tagged with the ‘Neymar’ nickname, there was that huge expectation of showing the talent of the Brazilian superstar’s skills at Kotoko. Isaac Oppong has demonstrated a true reflection of the former Barcelona forward’s qualities.
After been a second half sub in Kotoko 3-1 victory against Dreams FC in Accra, he immediately began to open the defense and assisted twice before netting the second goal.
Oppong has reportedly bagged 22 goals and made 11 assists in 17 games in the Sunyani Division Two Zone.
In victory against Bechem United at Baba Yara, the 18-year-old climbed off the bench to win a penalty which was converted by captain Abdul Ganiyu Ismail.
His pace, movement and dribbles on the ball is just like PSG forward Neymar Jr. which one of them Bechem United couldn’t contain that led to Kotoko first goal. He produced another magic moment that earned Kotoko the second goal with Samuel Boateng rising above the defense to head home.
Isaac danced through the Bechem United defense, having been fouled in the process but he faked for a potential penalty appeal before the ball fell to Imoro Ibrahim who delivered a cross for Boateng to score from the 12-yard box.
After his display against Dreams FC, there was hope that Isaac Oppong will walk into the first XI but he was benched in Kotoko’s fixture against Bechem. With the huge influence, the teenager is expected to see starting football against Bibiani Gold Stars.
The likes of Razak Abelora, Abdul Ganiyu, Fabio Gama, Richmond Lamptey and Mudasiru Salifu have so far enjoyed a good start to the season.
Abelora has produced fine saves to deny crucial goals while Lamptey and Mudasiru have scored as Gama has provided the spaces for Kotoko to operate.
However, Isaac Opppong has been the brightest Kotoko star in the opening two games involving in all five goals the club have scored in the Ghana Premier League so far.
What a remarkable impact made by youngster, a debutant in such a big club and a teenager who is on the path of making history and reaching legendary status like Reverend Osei Kofi.
