Asante Kotoko SC faced off against Dreams FC in a gripping league encounter at the Tuba Astro Turf on 21 December 2024, with the match kicking off at 3:00pm. The visitors emerged victorious with a final score of 2-1, showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience throughout the match.
Asante Kotoko SC lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Mohamed Camara took his place in goal, while a back four comprised of Lord Amoah on the right, Emmanuel Kotei on the left, and central defenders Samba O’niel and Joseph Ablorh provided a sturdy defensive foundation. In midfield, Justice Blay and Andrews Ntim Manu operated as central midfielders, tasked with controlling the tempo and linking play. Ahead of them, Baba Yahaya played as an attacking midfielder, supporting the front three of Peter Amidu Acquah on the right, Saaka Dauda as the central striker, and Elvis Kyei Baffour on the left.
The substitutes for Asante Kotoko SC included Michael Kyei Dwamena, Wisdom Fernando, and Solomon Kwaku Sah, who were poised to make an impact from the bench if called upon.
The match began with both teams probing for an early advantage, but it was Asante Kotoko SC who broke the deadlock in the 39th minute. A well-executed team move culminated in Baba Yahaya finding the back of the net, courtesy of a precise short pass from Peter Amidu Acquah. Yahaya's left-footed strike sent the visiting supporters into raptures as they celebrated the opening goal.
Just before half-time, in the 44th minute, Asante Kotoko SC doubled their lead. Saaka Dauda, demonstrating excellent positioning and composure, scored with a right-footed effort, further solidifying their dominance in the match. The first half concluded with the score at 2-0, leaving Dreams FC with a mountain to climb in the second period.
After the break, Dreams FC responded with determination and found a way back into the match in the 58th minute. They scored a goal from inside the box, igniting hopes of a comeback and putting pressure on the Asante Kotoko SC defence.
As the match progressed, tensions began to rise, leading to a series of cautions. In the 70th minute, Andrews Ntim Manu received a yellow card for serious foul play, a decision that reflected the increasing physicality of the contest.
In a tactical move, Asante Kotoko SC made a double substitution in the 74th minute, bringing on Michael Kyei Dwamena for Baba Yahaya and Wisdom Fernando for Peter Amidu Acquah. These changes aimed to maintain their lead while freshening up the midfield and attack.
The substitutions continued with Solomon Kwaku Sah replacing Elvis Kyei Baffour in the 82nd minute, as Asante Kotoko SC sought to bolster their defensive efforts in the closing stages of the match.
The match saw further disciplinary action, with Dreams FC receiving a yellow card for a bad tackle in the 82nd minute, followed by Mohamed Camara being cautioned for unsporting behaviour in the 87th minute. Emmanuel Kotei also found himself in the referee's book for violent conduct just two minutes later, as the match became increasingly fraught with tension.
As the game entered stoppage time, Lord Amoah was shown a yellow card for unsporting behaviour in the 94th minute, highlighting the intensity of the contest as both teams battled for every ball.
Ultimately, Asante Kotoko SC held on to their lead, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Dreams FC. The win not only showcased their attacking capabilities but also their ability to withstand pressure in a match that was as thrilling as it was competitive.
