THE CONGO JOB-WHY ASANTE KOTOKO CANNOT FAIL THEIR PATRONS

Asante Kotoko SC starts their Confederation Cup redemption exercise against Club Athletic Renaissance
Ainglo (CARA) of Congo this afternoon at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Better said, a crush of old foes
who are very familiar with each other on the African terrain meeting meeting on a countable number of
times.

A club who have left a mark-it's not far from right if denoted with an indelible mark-on the African
continent, makes it difficult to understand that for the past four years, Asante Kotoko SC have struggled to
make it out of the first round of their African Club Competition against "minnows" in African football.

Returning to African again after beating Hearts of Oak in the MTN FA Cup final to get the slot for the
Confederations Cup means the time to wake up from their slumbers and start picking up what belong to
them in Africa and Asante Kotoko SC will start it against Club Athletic Renaissance Ainglo of Congo at the
Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

For quiet long, Kotoko have not had some wild preparation to any tournament or game than they've had
for this afternoon's encounter which makes one to decipher why Asante Kotoko SC have attached
everything to this game as if their life depends on it.

After their Barack Young Controllers (BYC) of Liberia, Eulma and Bejeia of Algeria debacle, Kotoko have
had some special preparation to this game which have kept the team in focus and intact so as not to
disappoint again in redeeming themselves from their previous failed attempts against minnows in the
Africa game.

Asante Kotoko SC have been flushed with so much promises by individuals if they are able to reach the
money zone of the competition or win the Confederations Cup which should mount incessant pressure on
the playing body to deliver and play beyond their expectation but the captain of the team, Amos Frimpong
says the promises are good and tempting but they're looking beyond those promises to discharge their
duties in Kumasi before their return trip to Congo which they want it to be a mere academic exercise.

Club Athletic Renaissance Ainglo (CARA) scored 66 goals last season in their domestic game which
qualified them into this competition with their opponent, Kotoko scoring 56 goals in two seasons in the
local scene which speaks how good CARA are as a club.

That being said, Kotoko can count on the advantage and experience of their previous victories against
CARA in Africa in 1976 and 1983 to give them hopes and convince their teeming supporters that they're
making it to the group stages of the competition and CARA will just be a walk over in the preliminary
rounds.

The Kumasi giants were handed the opportunity to put their noses in front two
minutes later when Bossina handled a shot from Sadick in the box. However,
the former Atletico Madrid youth star failed to hit the back of the net from the
spot.
On 25th minute, CARA had their first chance through a free-kick following a
tackle from Kotoko's centre-back Awudu Nafiu, who received the first caution
of the game. Oyoh Thouey Rox’s free-kick floated wide.
By the 32nd minute, Kwame Boahene saw his curled effort outside the box of
CARA crash against the post before Okiele made a goal line clearance to
deny Donkor the opener.
After the break, CARA coach Ossiete Roger brought on Mbangou to
strengthen his midfield and rely more on counterattacks. The youngster’s first
touch almost gave the visitors the lead, as it went past Awudu Nafiu but saved
by goalkeeper Annan.
On the 55th minute, referee Issa Sy pointed to the spot to give Kotoko their
second penalty of the day after Kwame Boahene was brought down by
Bomanyae Liema Dicha. Sadick stepped up once more to execute the kick but
captain Amos Frimpong took the ball from him and also saw his spot kick
saved by goalkeeper Massa Chansa. Two wasted opportunities.
Thirteen minutes later, Kotoko were awarded another penalty when Boahene
was tripped in the box. Baba Mahama failed to transform, once again.
Substitute Mbangou combined with Kivutuka Cabwey to launch a quick
counterattack by the 71st minute and the latter was fouled in Kotoko box by
Emmanuel Gyamfi. The referee pointed to the spot to give the visitors their
first share of the penalties.
Interestingly, CARA goalkeeper Chansel, who had saved three penalties prior,
bungled the kick against goalkeeper Annan.
With a minute remaining, Kotoko got the last opportunity of the game after
Sadick was brought down once again in the box. Substitute Yakubu
Mohammedsuccessfully transformed the effort to break the deadlock and
give the Porcupine Warriors a glimmer of hope ahead of the second leg
scheduled for February 21 in Brazzaville