Defending champions AshantiGold and Berekum Chelsea recorded the 2015/16 season’s first barren game in a match day 3 encounter at the Len Clay Stadium on Saturday.
A frustrating one it was for the Coach Bashir Hayford whose side only returned from a failed mission in the CAF Champions League earlier in the week. AshGold failed to give their usual sparkling display as they got checked in every aspect of the game by a well-organized Chelsea side.
The Miners enjoyed more possession in the first half especially but their final efforts at goal left much to be desired. Few attempts made by Isaac Amoah, youngster Amos Addai and captain Eric Opoku failed to pose any real threat to Tijani Ahmed in post for the Berekum side.
Former club striker Sadick Adams, now captain of Chelsea, was a thorn in the flesh of the Miners with his intelligent play all game. He made the centre back pair of Kadri Mohammed and Godfred Rockson work extra hard but succeeded in protecting their goal.
The Miners piled some last-minute pressure on the coach Solomon Odwo side but yet again failed to find the magic that could have broken the defence of the visitors.
Speaking after the game, a very satisfied Sadick Adams said:
“I’m happy for the boys. We worked hard in this game and have secured a valuable point. It is always not easy to play against the champions at their home so we are content with this. We can build on it as the season progresses.”
Khadri Mohammed was adjudged the Man-of-the-Match.
AshantiGold, now on four points, would honour their outstanding math day 2 fixture away to regional rivals Asante Kotoko in Kumasi on Wednesday March 9.
Lineups:
AshantiGold XI: Robert Dabuo – Emmanuel Nti Mensah, Kadri Mohammed, Godfred Rockson, Tijani Joshua – Eric Opoku (c), Alhassan Nuhu/Anthony Yerful, Amos Addai/Francis Adjei, Isaac Amoah, Emmanuel Osei/Frederick Quayson, Fuseini Nuhu
Unused subs: Desmond Agbekpornu, Hudu Yakubu, Paul Abakah, Seth Afful
Berekum Chelsea XI: Tijani Ahmed – Osei Bonsu, Nicholas Opoku, Richard Agyei, Justice Anane – Braimah Mohammed, Sadick Abubakar – Collins Ameyaw/Steven Owusu, Kingsley Osei Effah/Eric Asiedu, Abdul Karim Jabilu/Richard Oti – Sadick Adams (c)
Unused subs: John Moosie, Aikins Asante, Seth Larbi Appiah, Francis Debrah