Asante Kotoko secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over ZESCO United in their second game in Group C of the 2018/19 Caf Confederation Cup Wednesday.
And it was goalkeeper Felix Annan who received the most applause at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for his superb performance, denying the Zambians some clear-cut scoring chances including a penalty save in the 18th minute.
Goals from Kwame Bonsu and Emmanuel Gyamfi gave the Porcupines a 2-0 lead at halftime before compatriot Rahim Osumanu climbed off the bench in the second half to pull one back for ZESCO.
“Felix [Annan] was brilliant;” the Kotoko gaffer said at post-match adding “that’s why he is there [in Kotoko’s first team].”
“He’s number one in the country as far as goalkeeping is concerned.
“We are happy to have someone like him,” Akonnor stated.
Reflecting further on the results of the day, the Kotoko gaffer expressed satisfaction that the group is now open with all four teams on three points.
“It was a good game and the results went in our favour. We knew the strength of the opponent – a very quick attacking team and it was important we didn’t give them breathing space. We did that in the early minutes of the game and through that we got our goals. We struggled a bit in the second half but I think over all, we deserved the victory.
“A loss would have been worse. I think now the group is open; Nkana also won so we look forward to our next match against them,” coach Akonnor said.
Asante Kotoko will travel to face Nkana FC in a matchday 3 fixture for Group C of the Confederation Cup on February 24.
