Rospak SC faced off against Soccer Intellectuals in a gripping league encounter at the Seyan District Assembly Astro Turf on 9 March 2025, with the match concluding in a narrow 1-0 defeat for the home side. The game kicked off at 3:00pm, and despite a spirited performance, Rospak SC could not find the back of the net, succumbing to a penalty awarded to their opponents.
Rospak SC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flair. Evans Blay took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Godwin Eshun on the right, Philip Yankson and Emmanuel McCarthy in central defence, and Clement Essien on the left. In midfield, Samuel Bayitse and Osman Assan operated as central midfielders, tasked with both breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks. Ahead of them, Joseph Ntow and Memphis Boadi occupied the right and left attacking midfield roles respectively, while Kofi Anthony played centrally as the attacking midfielder, supporting lone striker John Amoah.
The substitutes for Rospak SC included Emmanuel Quarshie, Reuben Tetteh, Peter Arhin, Francis Havor, and Nana Boateng, who were poised to make an impact should the need arise.
The match began with both teams probing for weaknesses, but it was Rospak SC's Emmanuel McCarthy who found himself in the referee's book first, receiving a yellow card in the 30th minute for a late challenge. Just two minutes later, Soccer Intellectuals capitalised on a moment of indecision in the Rospak defence, earning a penalty that they converted to take a 1-0 lead in the 32nd minute.
As the first half drew to a close, Rospak SC struggled to find their rhythm, trailing at the break. The half-time whistle blew at 45 minutes, leaving the home side with much to ponder as they regrouped for the second half.
The second half saw immediate tactical changes from Rospak SC, with three substitutions made at the start of the half. Emmanuel Quarshie replaced Memphis Boadi, Reuben Tetteh came on for Samuel Bayitse, and Peter Arhin took over from Godwin Eshun. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy and creativity into the side as they sought to overturn the deficit.
Despite the changes, Rospak SC found it difficult to break down a resolute Soccer Intellectuals defence. The home side continued to press, but their efforts were met with a well-organised opposition. In the 68th minute, Rospak SC was forced into another substitution when Joseph Ntow had to leave the pitch due to injury, with Francis Havor stepping in to fill the void.
As the match progressed, Rospak SC's situation worsened when Quarshie also succumbed to injury in the 76th minute, leading to Nana Boateng's introduction. The home side's attempts to find an equaliser were met with frustration as time slipped away, and despite their best efforts, they could not find the breakthrough.
The match concluded with Soccer Intellectuals celebrating their hard-fought victory, while Rospak SC were left to reflect on missed opportunities and the need for improvement as they prepare for their next fixture.
