Birthdays are normally celebrated in a grand style as they mark exactly the date one was born. Prosper Nartey Ogum celebrated his 46th birthday on a poor note with a 1-0 defeat against Dreams FC. A wonderful freekick was scored by the 17-year-old Azziz Issah which condemned Kotoko to their first defeat at Baba Yara Stadium since March when Medeama defeated them by 2-0 en route to winning their first-ever Ghanaian Premier League title.
Prosper Ogum’s second coming has not gotten off to the expected start as Asante Kotoko has picked up just one win in the five home games he has played so far with 3 draws and one defeat which occurred on Sunday afternoon. The players are struggling to understand his methods as Kotoko has lost back-to-back for the first time this year.
Prosper Ogum’s body language summarised how disappointing the afternoon was for his boys. He expressed his disappointment, especially in their finishing. He encouraged the fans to keep on supporting them to turn the season around.
The lack of experience in the team is clear to see as the starting lineup today had only the much-travelled Yusif Nurudeen (31) the only player who was above 25 years. Mohammed Sherif (21), Prince Adesa (15), and Nicholas Osei Bonsu (22) completed the back four.
The skipper, Ibrahim Danlad who is in his 3rd season at Asante Kotoko is just 20 years old. The midfield trio of Andrews Ntim(23), Sherif Mohammed(21) and Steven Zeze (23) all lack the needed experience. An attack led by Peter Acquah (17), Kalo Ouattara (22) and Steven Mukuala (24) will take a bit of time to bang in the goals. With an average age of just 22.2 years, Kotoko fans must exercise patience.
Goals scoring has become a huge problem as Kotoko has just scored 7 goals and conceded 8.
Fans after the game let their anger known by expressing their disappointment in the board’s recruitment and the horrible football the team is playing.
The Asante Kotoko fraternity never envisaged the teams struggling in the early stages of the season with Kotoko occupying 14th position-two places above the relegation zone. Aduana Stars, the league leaders lead Kotoko by 8 points and +8 goals.
Pressure is mounting on Prosper Narteh Ogum and he must find a way to help the team get back to winning ways.
Anyway, Happy birthday to Prosper Narteh Ogum.
