Dreams FC 1-3 Asante Kotoko: Youngster Isaac Oppong is the hero to spark Porcupine Warriors late come-back in Ghana Premier League opener
Asante Kotoko begin their Ghana Premier League campaign with 3-1 victory over Dreams FC following impressive second half display.
Dreams FC welcomed Kotoko to the Accra Sports Stadium for 2012-2022 Ghana Premier League opener but the away side come-back to win in last fives minutes.
The Ghanaian giants were down by 1-0 midway in the second half after U-20 Afcon winner Abdul Fatawu Issahaku put Dreams FC ahead.
The former Steadfast FC winger was making his Premier League debut and danced his way through the Kotoko defense before placing it beyond Razak Abelora to break the deadlock.
Right after Dreams FC’s goal, second half sub Isaac Oppong was the man who stole the major headlines as Asante Kotoko fought back to complete a 3-1 win in Accra on Saturday afternoon.
Oppong provided two assists for Kotoko’s equalizer and third goal before scoring a stunner, a half volley for his club’s second goal of the afternoon.
With proceedings becoming difficult for Kotoko to penetrate through the Dream FC midfield, Prosper Nartey Ogum made double substitutions in the second half as Brazilian play-maker Fabio Gama and Stephen Amankona went out for Richard Boadu and Dickson Afoakwa to take their places respectively.
Kotoko began to stabilize their central midfield but the creativity in wide and final third areas was still lacking. Meanwhile Dreams FC continued to open the Kotoko defense which they should have doubled their lead after a couple of attacks missing the posts by narrow margins.
Prosper Nartey Ogum brought in Isaac Oppong for Joseph Amoako and the former was the game’s changer putting in a hero’s performance in the final 10 minutes when Kotoko needed to fight from behind.
Isaac Oppong involved in all Kotoko three goals with the club’s first that put them on the level the youngster picking the ball at the right edge of the box, he cut inside to the middle before playing Mudasiru Salifu through on the right edge of the box.
The tough defensive midfielder kept composure as he entered the 12-yard and played it in between his opponents keeper’s legs on 86′ minute.
The equalizer increased the already gathered team spirit- though it came late in the game, and Kotoko took the lead two minutes later with the hero Isaac Oppong scoring beautifully from a half volley this time.
It started when Patrick Asmah swung in a cross from the left flank and forward Samuel Boateng decoyed the situation allowing the ball to Isaac Oppong at the far posts.
The youngster chested the ball to calm it and fired a powerful one straight into the roof as Prosper Nartey was player’s immediate friend for celebrations.
The coach’s mood immediately changed to happiness having previously looked aggrieve following his team’s well fought performance but were caught in the run of play by Fatawu Issahaku.
After Kotoko’s second goal, there were clear indications that they would score again looking from the swift play especially from Isaac Oppong who had become the main focal point in Kotoko’s attacks.
And the third goal finally arrived as Oppong who played from the right side of attack received a pass from Dickson Afoakwa and Oppong passed back to unmarked Richmond Lamptey behind the box.
Lamptey from his usual hall mark of long drives struck a long one into the net, though Dreams FC goalkeeper could have done something to save the ball but it seems he was in unexpected mood as he watches the ball, put a touch on it, but the ball still entered the net.
The victory send Kotoko to top of the league table after only two games of Matchday 1 with the core opener on Friday between newly promoted side Accra Lions and Elmina Sharks ending in 1-1 draw at same venue, Accra Sports Stadium.
Othe remaining Ghana Premier League Matchday 1 fixtures will take place tomorrow Sunday.
