Asante Kotoko grabbed their first win of the Confederation Cup group stage with a 2-1 win over Zambian giants ZESCO United.
A deflected screamer from Kwame Bonsu and a tap in from Emmanuel Gyamfi gave the Porcupine Warriors a two-goal lead before substitute Abdul Rahim Osman reduced the tally for the visitors.
FootballMadeInGhana.com rates the performance of the players in the game and how they influenced the results.
Each player’s performance is rated out of ten.
Asante Kotoko
Felix Annan (GK) – 7
Annan was magnificent in the game and greatly influenced the results. He made two wonderful goal scoring saves and also saved a penalty.
Augustine Sefah – 6
He defended well but committed an error which gave ZESCO United their only goal. He was however very productive in supporting the Kotoko attack from the flanks and closed down his man on many occasions.
Amos Frimpong – 7
The Kotoko skipper played as a left back and exhibited huge intelligence and high work rate. He was calm in his defensive approach and did not commit many errors.
Abdul Ganiu Ishmail – 6
The defender played through pain but was aggressive in the first half. His long passing was great.
Agyemang Badu – 7
Great performance and high work rate. He was aggressive and held the Kotoko back line.
Richard Senanu – 7
Senanu was amazing in his ball distribution and was combative in the middle.
Kwame Bonsu – 8
His screamer took a deflection and gave Kotoko the opener. He was highly productive and lasted the entire duration of the game. His passing too was great.
Emmanuel Gyamfi – 8
Gyamfi had a great game and was very productive. He scored Kotoko’s second goal and was a huge threat for the visiting team.
Abdul Fatawu Shafiu – 8
Very productive and marvelous for Kotoko. He played very well and was a huge threat for the ZESCO defenders.
Songne Yacouba – 7
He created the chance for Emmanuel Gyamfi and increased his assist tally in the campaign. He fired several shots but missed. He also missed some near goal opportunities.
Maxwell Baako – 8
Played very well and created many chances for Kotoko. He added fluidity to the Kotoko attack.
Substitutes
Stephen Nyarko – 3
Came on with some energy but it was too little too late.
Habib Mohammed – 3
The defensive midfielder came at the right time to strengthen the Kotoko midfield and provided a shield for the defenders.
ZESCO United
Jacob Banda (GK) – 4
Conceded two goals and did not make any serious saves.
Simon Silwimba – 5
Aggressive and strong in his tackles but was always committing too many fouls.
Mwila Phiri – 5
Very intelligent with his tackles and floating in brilliant crosses. He however struggled in handling Emmanuel Gyamfi.
Clement Mwape – 3
Did not start the game well and struggled to stay on. He was forced out of the game in the 35th minute.
David Owino – 6
Very aggressive center back and was always on Yacouba. He guarded the ZESCO back line intelligently and was not easy to beat.
Kondwani Mtonga – 6
Very combative and aggressive. Great aerial ability and nice ball distribution. His giant stature was an advantage.
Quadri Aladeokun – 4
Lasted the entire duration of the game but did not make any huge impact.
Agay Anthony – 7
Wonderful performance. Starred brilliantly in midfield and was a brilliant makeshift center back after Mwape’ injury.
Lazarous Kambole – 6
Very beautiful performance. Tormented the Kotoko defenders and forced Ganiu to pick an injury. He was swift and dashed very well for balls.
John Chingandu – 6
Had a good game. He created some chances but failed to score. He did not try a shot in target though.
Jesse Jackson – 4
Was not bad but did not impact a lot on the game. He hardly turned in a single cross as a winger.
Substitutes
Rahim Osman – 5
Came on late, with a few minutes to the end but was the most productive player for ZESCO. He scored their only goal.
Enock Sabumukama – 4
Introduced some fluidity into the game and put Kotoko under a lot of pressure.
Misheck Chaila – 2
Came on from the bench and left with a red a card
