Asante Kotoko gaffer C.K. Akonnor has applauded his players for adhering to instructions after the historic qualification to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Asante Kotoko reached the group stages of the Confederation Cup after edging out Cameroon’s Coton Sport de Garoua with a 5-3 aggregate victory and head coach C.K Akonnor has lavished praises on his charges for the big feat.

It was the first time since 2008 that the Porcupine Warriors reached the group stages of an African competition and the former Ghana international is not taking the credits alone.

“I thank God I have listening players. They followed the instructions and all that we tell them and that is something that I am really proud of.” Akonnor said.

“That is how it worked out. Sometimes it doesn’t work but that does not mean they (the players) didn’t listen. They did but just that sometimes things naturally don’t work out.” he explained further.

The former Dreams FC coach has build a reputation for himself of showing gratitude to his players on the pitch following the end of matches in which they execute his football philosophy well.

When his players do the job, Akonnor is always there to show appreciation.

When his team drew o-o at Kariobangi Sharks last December, the Kotoko coach was seen kissing the forehead of winger Emmanuel Gyamfi in an image that went viral.

The winger had produced a big performance in at Moi International sports center in Kasarani.

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