Asante Kotoko were held at arm’s length by Basake Holy Stars on matchday eight of the ongoing 2024/25 Ghana Premier League season – a result that puts the club in contention for the league (although still early in the season) but leaves unanswered questions on the team’s output in the final third of the pitch.
Albert Amoah’s strike after 35 minutes at the weekend marked the Porcupine Warriors’ seventh goal of the season, placing them behind Bibiani Gold Stars (9), Nsoatreman (8), and Aduana Stars (8).
Kotoko have struggled to put games to bed this season, with Basake Holy Stars Prince Tweneboah’s goal on Sunday, further highlighting this problem. After taking a first-half lead, Kotoko failed to convert their chances as Basake scored a late goal, leading to the Porcupine Warriors dropping two points away from home.
After the first seven games of the season, Kotoko have scored seven goals in seven matches, which literally means the team has scored a goal in every game.
Although an impressive feat (scoring in every game) the lack of having a clinical edge could prove worrisome for Kotoko in their bid to clinch the league title; a first in two seasons.
After eight matchdays last season, Asante Kotoko were four goals better off than they are in this current campaign. Additionally, they were three goals better off than they are in the current campaign after seven games. Against Legon Cities in midweek, Kotoko will play their outstanding Ghana Premier League game fixture at the University of Ghana Stadium, with the team eyeing a win to move to the top of the league.
The departure of Steve Dese Mukwala, Kotoko’s top scorer in the league last term, has somewhat gone on to derail the team’s attacking returns this season despite picking up points. Mukwala scored 14 goals in 28 games for Kotoko, which attributed to 40% of the team’s total goals. His departure to Simba ahead of the season has left a huge void in the team, despite the best attempts of the club’s recruitment team to bring in a blend of forwards, including Albert Amoah, Elvis Kyei Baffour, and Saaka Dauda.
The duo of Albert Amoah and Elvis Kyei Baffour have combined to score four of Asante Kotoko’s seven goals, which is indicative of how both players have stepped up to try and fill Mukwala’s void.
Despite his team’s struggles, Kotoko’s coach, Prosper Ogum, is hopeful once his team finds its bearings in the final third, they will rack up wins.
“It’s not the result we expected, but th at’s what we have,” he said after Kotoko’s draw against Basake Holy Stars.
“We just have to make do with it and focus on our next game. It’s all about composure in front of goal. Once we get the composure in front of goal, which is made up of confidence, picking the right spot, applying the right technique, and applying the right power behind the ball, I’m sure we’ll be good to go, he added.
Kumasi Asante Kotoko take on Legon Cities at the University of Ghana Stadium on Wednesday, knowing a win in their outstanding clash will move them level on points with high-flying Bibiani Gold Stars at the top of the league.
