Asante Kotoko have crashed out of the Caf Confederation Cup following a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Zesco United in Zambia on Sunday.
Here are five things we learned.
Defensive errors cost Asante
The Porcupine Warriors have been knocked out by their defence. The defending had been poor in the previous games but on Sunday it was terrible with Zesco United profiting to score two goals in two minutes to eliminate Kotoko.
Kotoko missed Songne Yacouba
The absence of Songne Yacouba was immensely felt by Asante Kotoko who struggled to trouble Zescos defence. Dany Zabo Teguy, who was brought in to replace the Burkina striker, couldn’t exert himself as Kotoko struggled in the attacking third of their opponent. In a game of this magnitude, Kotoko needed their top marksman on the field with his absence contributing to their exit.
Bonsu again in subdued mode.
The Black Stars newboy again produced a disappointing performance. He being the engine of the team, his performance against Al Hilal in Kumasi proved costly and on Sunday he couldn’t lift himself. Bonsu failed to dominate midfield as he is noted for and it came at a cost as Zesco had easy access in the middle of the park and carved open Kotoko defence with ease.
CK Akonnor was naive on the big occasion.
Going into the game, Kotoko knew a win would be enough to see them through so after opening the scoring all the Porcupine Warriors had to do was to sit deep in their own half and protect the goal. However, CK allowed his men to push high up the field, leaving spaces at the back which Zesco gladly took and made the most of.
Amos Frimpong not Black Stars material yet.
Defender Amos Frimpong has a called up into the senior national team, Black Stars but on Sunday proved he doesn’t merit the invite. He was sluggish in possession, offered little to support Kotoko’s attack and didn’t defend well. His display comes as no suprise that Kotoko’s only clean sheet in the group stage was achieved in his absence. Amos is a fine defender but not one to offer regular Harrison Afful a stern competition.
Source: GHANAsoccernet.com