The West African Football Academy (WAFA) SC are off to a flying start after beating marked favourites Asante Kotoko 2-0 on the opening day of the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League.
A goal in each half from Charles Boateng and Samuel Tetteh gave the Academy boys a deserved win over the visiting porcupine warriors at the Sogakope Stadium.
Kotoko were forced into making two first half substitutions due to injuries to goalkeeper Felix Annan and Edwin Tuffour. Both were replaced by Eric Ofori Antwi and Atta Kusi respectively.
In the 24th minute, 22-year-old goalkeeper Felix Annan came off worse and had to be stretchered off after collision with WAFA’s Charles Boateng. Annan who was playing against his boyhood club for the first time at the Sogakope Stadium suffered a hard kick on his right knee which prevented him from continuing the game.
The glovesman, prior to the injury, pulled two stunning saves from separate efforts from long range by former teammates Gideon Waja and Samuel Tetteh. After halting play for close to six minutes for treatment, Annan was subsequently substituted.
Kotoko went on to concede the opening goal of the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League after a fine move by the Academy boys. Captain Martin Antwi effortlessly displaced his opposing captain Amos Frimpong, dashed into the penalty area before releasing a left-footed cross to find Charles Boateng to nod home a header in the 40th minute – 1-0.
Another wing play just two minutes into second half saw Black Stars winger Samuel Tetteh put the game beyond the porcupine warriors with a brilliant finish past a helpless Ofori Antwi.
The coach David Duncan side tried to push for an equaliser but their efforts were completely thwarted by the well-organized WAFA side. Kotoko enjoyed a better second half but largely blew away the very glare scoring opportunities that came their way.
Samuel Tetteh was adjudged the man-of-the-match.
Asante Kotoko will next play hosts to defending champions AshantiGold while WAFA ravel to face Berekum Chelsea in the match-day 2 fixtures on February 28.
WAFA now top the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League log with 3 points and a two-goal advantage. Seven other matches of the opening round of games are scheduled for Sunday February 21.
Line-ups:
Kotoko XI: Felix Annan/Eric Ofori Antwi – Amos Frimpong (c), Richard Osei Agyemang, Ahmed Adams, Edwin Tuffour Frimpong/Atta Kusi – Kojo Poku, Stephen Nyarko, Bennett Ofori, Eric Donkor – Obed Owusu, Elvis Amoh/Michael Yeboah
Unused subs: Theophilus Nyame, Henry Ohene Brenya, Evans Quao, Halipha Sedogo
WAFA XI: Razak Abalora – Emmanuel Boateng, Ibrahim Abukari, Mohammed Alhassan, Gideon Mensah/Abdul Wahab Ibrahim – Kennedy Boateng, Gideon Waja, Charles Boateng/Ibrahim Tanko, Martin Antwi – Richmond Lamptey/Umar Basiru, Samuel Tetteh
Unused subs: Philemon McCarthy, Amate Aaron Justice, Stephen Boye, Becanty Langui L. Koffi