Caf Confed Cup: Five things we learned from Asante Kotoko's 2-1 defeat at Zesco United

Sports News from Monday, March 18, 2019

Source: GHANAsoccernet.com

2019-03-18

Asante Kotoko retired from the Caf Confederations Cup after a 2-1 loss to Zesco United in Zambia on Sunday.

Here are five things we learned.

Defensive mistakes cost Asante

The porcupine warriors were stunned by their defense. The defenders had been mediocre in previous matches, but on Sunday it was terrible, with Zesco United taking advantage to score two goals in two minutes to eliminate Kotoko.

Songne Yacouba is missing in Kotoko

The absence of Songne Yacouba was deeply felt by Asante Kotoko who had trouble disturbing Zescos' defense. Dany Zabo Teguy, who was to replace the Burkinabé striker, could not practice because Kotoko was struggling in the offensive third of his opponent. In a game of this magnitude, Kotoko needed his top scorer in the field, his absence contributing to his exit.

Bonsu again in attenuated mode.

The newboy of the Black Stars has once again performed a disappointing performance. He was the engine of the team, his performance against Al Hilal in Kumasi proved costly and on Sunday he could not get up again. Bonsu did not manage to dominate the midfield as it is noted and this had a cost as Zesco had easy access to the middle of the park and easily opened the Kotoko defense.

CK Akonnor was naive on the big occasion.

Entering the match, Kotoko knew that victory would be enough to bring them to a successful conclusion. After opening the scoring, all the Porcupine Warriors had to do was sit in their own half and protect the goal. However, CK allowed his men to push high on the ground, leaving spaces behind that Zesco willingly took and operated at best.

Amos Frimpong is not yet a Black Stars material.

Defender Amos Frimpong was called into the senior national team, the Black Stars, but proved Sunday that he did not deserve the invitation. He was in slow possession, offered little to support the Kotoko attack and did not defend well. His display does not surprise that the only white sheet of Kotoko in the group stage was made in his absence. Amos is an excellent defender, but he can not offer Harrison Afful severe competition.