Asante Kotoko head coach Prosper Ogum has ascribed his team’s performance against Young Apostles to fatigue and the poor condition of the Wenchi surface.
In the last two away Ghana Premier League games, Kotoko has picked up two points out of six, allowing Bibiani Gold Stars to leapfrog Kotoko at the top of the standings.
Asante Kotoko players appeared lethargic, particularly in the second half against Young Apostles, allowing the home team to dominate play during Ghana Premier League week 20.
In response to their play, Kotoko’s head coach, Prosper Ogum, stated that the Wenchi surface was not conducive to both teams exchanging more passes and instead referred to long balls.
“The nature of the pitch made it a physically demanding game. The surface did not allow both sides to maintain the ball on the turf while playing because when the ball bounces when passed, it changes direction, making it impossible for both teams to play.” Ogum stated.
“I saw Young Apostles when we played at Obuasi, they could keep the ball and play, but today they didn’t, and neither did we, so the ball was primarily in the air, and it was a war of first and second balls”. He added.
Ogum, however, believes that the lengthy journey the team endured from Samartex to Kumasi and then to Wenchi caused in fatigue on the part of his players, but he has told them to put it behind them and mentally prepare themselves if they want to contend for the league crown.
“It’s exhausting, but I’ve helped them realize that if they want to be a contender, they must rest a lot and try to deal with it psychologically and mentally.”
“We traveled from Kumasi to Samarboi for four hours each way, spending seven hours in and seven hours out”
“It is a factor, but the fact that we gained a point rather than lost is what matters most.” He concluded.
Kotoko will play two home games against Holy Stars and Berekum Chelsea in an attempt to take advantage of them and potentially move back to the top of the table. With 39 points, they are now in second place, one point behind Gold Stars at the top.
By Emmanuel Owusu
