Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum has detailed the strategic approach that led to his team’s impressive 2-0 victory over fierce rivals Hearts of Oak in the much-anticipated Super Clash on Sunday.
The match, held at the Baba Yara Stadium, saw Kotoko dominate their opponents thanks to a well-executed game plan and a standout performance from striker Steven Mukwala.
Reflecting on the win, Ogum emphasised the importance of maintaining defensive discipline and capitalising on counter-attacks.
“Observing them play most of their matches, we realised that we needed to contain them and then catch them on the break,” Ogum explained. “If you look at the first goal, that was exactly what happened… the second goal was the same. So, I think we kept our shape very well. We glided and shifted based on where the ball was and we also made sure that we were behind the ball and on the side of the ball.”
Ogum’s tactical acumen was evident as Kotoko meticulously controlled the tempo of the game, avoiding any hasty decisions and focusing on precise, short passes.
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“We didn’t try to rush the game but we tried to cool the game and then connect those short passes. Whenever it was possible, we played the long ball behind the defense and I think it worked very well,” Prosper Ogum noted.
The strategy paid off early in the match when Steven Mukwala latched onto a long pass, used his strength to beat two defenders, and placed the ball beyond the Hearts goalkeeper in the ninth minute. This early goal set the tone for Kotoko’s dominance. Mukwala, undeterred by his initial success, struck again in stoppage time, sealing the victory with another brilliant individual effort.
Prosper Ogum was full of praise for Mukwala, who has been in exceptional form.
“And I think Steve [Mukwala] made it so beautiful. As I said before the game, I engaged him and I think he has lived up to the task. It’s good for us. I’m even short of words,” a smiling Ogum said after the match.
Mukwala is special#3SportsGH #SuperClashpic.twitter.com/fLQTiVo640
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) May 26, 2024
Mukwala’s performance has been instrumental in Kotoko’s recent resurgence. With 14 goals this season, he is now a strong contender for the top scorer award, trailing Berekum Chelsea’s Stephen Amankona by just one goal.
The victory has lifted Kotoko to ninth place on the league table with 43 points, just five points away from the top four. With three matches remaining in the season, the Porcupine Warriors have a realistic chance of finishing in a respectable position.
