WAFA SC and Asante Kotoko settled for a barren draw in a fairly balanced 2019/20 Ghana Premier League match-day 8 tie staged at Sogakope Wednesday afternoon.
The Academy Boys, playing in front of their own fans, were not at their clinical best in attempt to crack the well-organized Porcupine Warriors who played freely and even threatened more than expected.
Towards the end of the first half, Kotoko striker Richard Arthur found the back of the net but the goal was not given as referee Frederick Samena controversially ruled he fouled an opponent before hitting into the rooftop.
The second stanza started on a balanced note with both teams keen on scoring. Eric Asamany, Forson Amankwaha and Richard Danso, all had chances for the hosts but failed to break the deadlock.
Kotoko, on the other hand, also created some meaningful opportunities and would feel harshly handled by the referee Samena who did not agree to their two penalty shouts.
The latest happened just before the 90th-minute mark when a WAFA defender’s hand got into the way William Opoku Mensah’s header inside the box.
Moments later, returnee Richard Danso who came on in the second half, dangerously moved towards goal but the Kotoko centre-back pair of Agyemang Badu and Habib Mohammed combined well to snatch the ball from the sharp-shooting striker and the closely fought clash ended 0-0.
Early on, fit-again Kotoko winger Maxwell Baakoh finally enjoyed his competitive return after 11 months on the sidelines by coming on for captain Emmanuel Gyamfi.
It was a point gained for Asante Kotoko at a dreaded ground as they move to 4th on the log with 14 points – behind Medeama and Aduana (16 points each) as well as Berekum Chelsea who occupy top spot with 17 points from 8 games. WAFA are 7th on 13 points.
