Dreams FC outplayed – and not just that, but also exposed gaping holes in Kotoko when they beat them 1-0 in Wednesday’s highly entertaining G-8 match at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi.
Not only did Kotoko’s defenders looked tired, their attack was largely unimaginative with Frederick Boateng failing to cancel Richard Addae’s goal with a highly contentious penalty handed to Kotoko in the 65th minute.
Dreams FC laid bare the deficiencies in Coach Polack’s setup and for a team preparing for Africa next month, they have a lot of work to do.
The game started brightly with end to end action from both teams as they took little time to study each other. The first clear chance of the game fell to Dreams FC’s striker, Richard Addae but his point-blank header was superbly saved by Kotoko goalie in the 10th minute.
Dreams FC dictated the pace from there, piling incessant pressure on Kotoko with skipper, Leonard Owusu being so lively in midfield. Against the run of play, Kotoko launched a quick counter attack but the bravery of Dreams FC’s goalie, Ishawu Yahaya to deny them the lead as he tipped Frederick Boateng’s strike over the bar.
Kotoko, then unable match the artistry of the Dreams FC’s players, resorted to physical play and bullying resulting in Baba Mahama receiving the yellow card for a bad tackle on Leonard Owusu.
It turned into a one-way traffic as Dreams FC push more men forward for the opener. Kotoko were left off the hook in the 25th minute as Michael Abu handled an Isaac Amponsah back pass but Referee Eku Boateng failed to whistle for an indirect free kick.
Kotoko were in more trouble. James Wiafe then set up Zuberu Sharani but the striker’s ferocious effort hit the side net in the 29th minute to the relieve of the Kotoko fans.
Dreams FC’s efforts were finally rewarded in the 45th minute when Zuberu Sharani picked the ball, made a 30-yard run before locating Richard Addae, who blasted the ball into the yawning net with goalie, Michael Abu completely beaten.
Dreams FC finished the first department of the game still on top. Back from recess, Sharani Zuberu missed a glaring chance to make it 2-0 when he shot straight into the hands of Michael Abu inside the penalty box. James Wiafe on a run, dribbled four Kotoko players but his final delivery was saved by Michael Abu in the 50th minute.
Godfred Asante replaced Eli Keke after his injury in the 60th minute. As if to hand Kotoko undeserved relief, Referee Eku Boateng whistled for a dubious penalty following an innocuous touch on Baba Mahama in the box by Yakubu Mohammed in the 65th minute but thankfully, Ishawu Yahaya saved Frederick Boateng’s penalty diving majestically to the left.
Manager, Karim Zito brought on winger, Rashid Sani for James Wiafe in the 80th minute. This was to utilise his pace as the fatigued-looking Kotoko defenders couldn’t run.
Coach Steven Polack also threw Akwasi Nti into the fray to bring creativity in the midfield but Dreams FC’s compact play nullified any threat Akwasi Nti posed.
Eric Gawu came on Richard Addae in the 88th minute as the tempo of the game increased with Eli Keke being sent off in time added for a second bookable offence as Dreams FC held on to a historic win with ten men.
Dreams FC skipper Leonard Owusu was adjudged man of the match.
