Rospak SC faced off against UCC Youngsters FC in a gripping league match at Akoon Community Park on 10 November 2024, with the home side emerging victorious with a scoreline of 3-2. The match, which kicked off at 3:00 pm, showcased a blend of skill, determination, and late drama, culminating in a hard-fought win for Rospak SC.
Rospak SC adopted a 4-1-4-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for fluid attacking transitions. Emmanuel Afful took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Osei Yaw on the right, Prince Amponsah and Ernest Arhin in central defence, and Clement Essien on the left. Benjamin Ofori operated as the lone central midfielder, tasked with linking play between defence and attack. Ahead of him, the midfield quartet featured Joseph Ntow on the right, Kofi Anthony in the centre, Richard Appiah as the attacking midfielder, and Emmanuel Quarshie on the left, with Frederick Twumasi leading the line as the striker. The substitutes for Rospak SC included Nana Boateng, Chris Taiwai, and Francis Havor.
The match began with Rospak SC asserting their dominance early on. In the 10th minute, Joseph Ntow opened the scoring with a stunning left-footed strike from outside the area, expertly assisted by Osei Yaw's precise cross. The home side's early lead was met with a yellow card for a bad tackle just a minute later, highlighting the intensity of the contest.
As the first half progressed, Rospak SC continued to apply pressure, and their efforts paid off in the 31st minute when Emmanuel Quarshie doubled the advantage. Quarshie found the net from close range, finishing off a well-placed long pass from Kofi Anthony, sending the home crowd into raptures. The first half concluded with Rospak SC leading 2-0, a scoreline that reflected their control of the game.
However, the second half brought a shift in momentum. UCC Youngsters FC responded with determination, and in the 54th minute, they pulled a goal back, scoring from inside the box with a right-footed effort that left Afful with no chance. This goal ignited the visitors, who began to press for an equaliser.
The match became increasingly physical, resulting in another yellow card for Rospak SC in the 60th minute due to a bad tackle. In the 63rd minute, Rospak SC was forced into a substitution as Emmanuel Quarshie left the pitch due to injury, making way for Nana Boateng. The tactical changes continued as Benjamin Ofori was replaced by Chris Taiwai and Kofi Anthony made way for Francis Havor in the 83rd minute, as Rospak SC sought to regain control.
As the match entered its final moments, UCC Youngsters FC equalised in the 91st minute with a close-range tap-in, sending shockwaves through the Akoon Community Park. With the score now level at 2-2, the tension was palpable as both teams pushed for a winner.
In a dramatic twist, Ernest Arhin emerged as the hero for Rospak SC, scoring the decisive goal in the 97th minute. Arhin found the net with a right-footed shot from close range, expertly assisted by Prince Amponsah's header. This late strike secured a thrilling 3-2 victory for Rospak SC, much to the delight of their supporters.
Ernest Arhin's performance throughout the match was instrumental, earning him the accolade of Player of the Match. The referee, Asare Emmanuel Darko, oversaw a fiercely contested encounter that showcased the spirit and competitiveness of both teams.
