Toman Mariners F.C faced off against Tema City F.C in a gripping league encounter at the Tema Sports Stadium on 16 February 2025, with the match concluding in a narrow 4-3 defeat for the Mariners. The game kicked off at 8:30 am and showcased a rollercoaster of emotions as both teams battled fiercely for supremacy.
Toman Mariners adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to provide a solid defensive base while allowing for attacking flair. Emmanuel Amponsah took his position in goal, shielded by a back four comprising Eric Dumfe-Amoako and Mawudeka Quarshie as right and left defenders, respectively, with Nana Sunkwa and Caleb Asamaning forming the central defensive partnership. In front of the defence, Gabby Mensah and Kwabena Boadu operated as central midfielders, tasked with both breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks. The attacking trio featured Agudey Addison on the right, Harrison Danquah in the central role, and Harry Nkansah on the left, supporting lone striker Ruldoph Dugo, who was expected to lead the line and convert chances into goals.
The match unfolded with both teams eager to assert their dominance. The first half saw a flurry of action, with Toman Mariners looking to exploit their attacking prowess. However, it was Tema City who struck first, taking the lead with a well-placed shot that left Amponsah with little chance. The Mariners responded positively, pushing forward in search of an equaliser, and their efforts paid off when Dugo found the back of the net, showcasing his poaching instincts.
As the first half progressed, the intensity increased, with both sides creating opportunities. The Mariners' midfield duo of Mensah and Boadu worked tirelessly to regain possession and set up their forwards, while the defence remained resolute against the onslaught from Tema City. The half concluded with the score finely poised, but the Mariners were left to rue missed chances that could have seen them take the lead.
At the interval, the score stood at 1-1, and both teams returned to the pitch with renewed determination. The second half began with Tema City regaining the lead, capitalising on a defensive lapse from the Mariners. Toman Mariners, undeterred, continued to press, and Dugo once again showcased his talent, scoring a second goal to level the match at 2-2.
The back-and-forth nature of the contest continued, with both teams exchanging blows. Tema City managed to edge ahead once more, but the Mariners responded valiantly, with Dugo completing his hat-trick to bring the score to 3-3. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as fans from both sides rallied behind their teams, urging them on in the dying moments of the match.
However, in a dramatic twist, Tema City found the net for a fourth time, sealing the victory and leaving the Mariners heartbroken. Despite the defeat, Ruldoph Dugo emerged as the standout performer, his hat-trick a testament to his skill and determination.
The match concluded with a final score of 4-3 in favour of Tema City, a result that reflected the thrilling nature of the encounter. Toman Mariners will undoubtedly reflect on missed opportunities and defensive errors, but the performance of Dugo provides a silver lining as they look to bounce back in their next fixture.
