Asante Kotoko SC faced off against Nations FC at the Len Clay Stadium on 17 November 2024, with kick-off at 3:00pm. The match concluded with Nations FC emerging victorious, securing a 2-0 win over the home side, Asante Kotoko SC, in a fiercely contested league match.
Asante Kotoko SC lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flexibility. Mohamed Camara took his position in goal, shielded by a back three consisting of Henry Ansu in the centre, flanked by Samba O’niel on the right and Joseph Ablorh on the left. The midfield was anchored by Michael Kyei Dwamena and Andrews Ntim Manu in central roles, with Patrick Asiedu and Lord Amoah providing width as right and left midfielders, respectively. Baba Yahaya operated just behind the forwards as an attacking midfielder, while the striking duo of Elvis Kyei Baffour and Saaka Dauda led the line.
The substitutes for Asante Kotoko SC included Albert Amoah, Wisdom Fernando, Peter Amidu Acquah, and Samuel Tenadu, who were poised to make an impact should the need arise during the match.
The first half saw Nations FC take control early on, with a yellow card issued to an Asante Kotoko SC player for violent conduct in the 24th minute. This set the tone for a physical encounter. Just seven minutes later, Nations FC capitalised on their momentum, scoring the opening goal in the 31st minute. A well-placed shot from inside the box found the back of the net, putting Asante Kotoko SC on the back foot.
The visitors continued to assert their dominance, and shortly after their goal, a Nations FC player received a yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration. As the half drew to a close, Nations FC struck again in the 45th minute, taking advantage of a defensive mistake from Asante Kotoko SC. A powerful shot from outside the box doubled their lead, leaving the home side with a mountain to climb as they headed into the break.
With the second half underway, Asante Kotoko SC made tactical changes, introducing Albert Amoah and Wisdom Fernando for Elvis Kyei Baffour and Patrick Asiedu, respectively, in an attempt to regain control of the match. However, the home side struggled to find their rhythm, and in the 52nd minute, Michael Kyei Dwamena received a yellow card for a bad tackle, further complicating their efforts.
Asante Kotoko SC continued to push for a way back into the game, but their frustrations grew as another yellow card was issued in the 59th minute for unsporting behaviour. The home side made further substitutions, bringing on Peter Amidu Acquah for Lord Amoah in the 68th minute and Samuel Tenadu for Baba Yahaya in the 76th minute, as they sought to inject fresh energy into their attack.
Despite their efforts, Asante Kotoko SC could not find a breakthrough, and in the closing stages of the match, Henry Ansu was cautioned with a yellow card for a bad tackle in the 87th minute. The final whistle confirmed Nations FC's 2-0 victory, leaving Asante Kotoko SC to reflect on a disappointing afternoon at the Len Clay Stadium.
