The key department problem Asante Kotoko must solve ahead of Caf Champions League
Asante Kotoko have extended their domestic league title to 25 following Sunday’s coronation day victory over Elmina Sharks.
Sunday’s win has no impact on African football for next term having already secured a place in the African competition in 1-1 draw at Ash Gold a week ago.
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With victory over Elmina Sharks last Sunday, Asante Kotoko may learn more understanding about their team as they walk into Africa- which is expected to kick start in some months time.
Yesterday’s win saw a huge team performance of the new league champions but there was still a major concern in their defense department.
They have been a striking side throughout the season especially in midfield and attacking departments but their central defense has been problematic, on the average.
Kotoko have a total four central defenders, Andrews Appau, Yussif Mubarik, Abdul Ganiyu and Maxwell Agyemang, and overall 10 defenders when laterals Augustine Agyapong, Samuel Appiah, Christopher Nettey, Imoro Ibrahim, Patrick Asmah and Charles Owusu are been added to the frame.
The laterals are solid in the Ghanaian scene with Imoro Ibrahim, Agyapong and Nettey appearing among the best in this season’s Ghana Premier League.
Imoro has arguably be the best full back of the season netting and assisting double figure stats from the left-back position.
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However, the lateral may need improvement ahead of the Caf Champions League campaign, and so as the central department where a major reinforcement must be made. They lack the pace and speed with none of Maxwell Agyemang, Ganiyu, Mubarik and Appau not been the most suitable for the African game.
The central defenders also arguably lack aerial abilities and game reading capabilities. However, they have massively improved on one dimension of defending- ball blocking in central defense zones. The ball blocking is predominant among giants Al Ahly, Wydad Casablanca and Esperance de Tunis which means Kotoko have a major side of defense to take to Africa.
It appears the Reds are aware of the central defense problem having been tracking a number reinforcements. They are eyeing Bechem United man Samuel Osei Kuffour, WAFA captain Konadu Yiadom and others from outside the country.
Kufour may be a good addition who have the physique, speed and aerial technique but lack the speed which is crucial in the Caf Champions League. Yiadom have the ball reading ability, speed but lack the aggression.
Kotoko may need at least two aggressive central defenders with speed and aerial technique from outside Ghana. If they succeed in signing the recommended, they have a good chance to achieve a Caf Champions League group stage football.
