Inter Allies stun Kotoko in Accra
Inter Allies ended Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s three-match winning run with a 1-0 victory in a drama-filled match at the at the El Wak Stadium yesterday.
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The home side broke the deadlock in the 31st minute through nimble-footed Abdul-Halik Hudu who connected home Paul Abanga’s in-swinger to beat Kotoko’s goalkeeper Felix Annan to electrify the stadium.
Inter Allies’ goal was the product of a quick counter attack which saw Abanga deep in the Kotoko half after he had received a loose ball and sent a long cross into the opponents’ goal area Hudu, who was hovering around around, latched onto it and beat to onrushing Annan for what turned out to be the match winner. The victory moved Inter to the fifth position on the league log but knocked Kotoko off the third spot.
However, drama unfolded match when Isaac Osae of Inter Allies attempted to turn the facility into a boxing arena moments after he was sent off by referee Prince Amoah together with Evans Quao of Kumasi Asante Kotoko for brawling.
Nine minutes after Hudu scored the winning goal, Osae and Quao engaged in a scuffle in the goal area of Inter at a time Kotoko were about to effect a corner kick.
Referee Amoah, who was standing closely behind the two players and well placed to see the incident, did not hesitate in flashing his red card at the two combatants. But moments after Osae left the pitch and making his way to the dressing room, he threw all forms of sportsmanship aside, rushed on his opponent and attempted to punch him.
It took the quick intervention of the military and the few policemen on duty to intervene and save Quao from being pummeled by enraged Osae.
Fans at the stadium booed in unison against Osae’s reprehensible conduct as the security personnel accosted and whisked him away to enable the game to continue.
Kotoko came close to finding the equalising goal before the end of the first half but squandered the scoring opportunities created.
Both teams resumed the second half very businesslike but neither side was able to change the tide until referee Amoah brought the game to an end.
