Sports
A final determined by Adaari?
Analysing an Asante Kotoko goal or penalty with a Phobian lense. It would surely be an exercise in futility. This is because no explanation would sound convincing to a Phobian.
That is an apt description of the scene witnessed after a controversial penalty was awarded Asante Kotoko late in their MTN FA Cup win over Division One League (DOL) side, Golden Kick last Sunday.
That is not to say that fans of the Oak tree are not reasonable, no, far from that; but followers of the game in Ghana would appreciate this analogy, owing to the huge rivalry that exists between them.
Let it also be on record that a few Red fans also expressed reservations over the decision.
Surrounded by numerous Golden Kick fans most of whom were genuine supporters of Hearts of Oak, bitter rivals of Asante Kotoko, referee Latif Abdul Adaari’s decision generated so much debates between them and the Reds faithful.
Interestingly, supporters put up sound arguments with different angles of the action that led to the penalty. Some shared the same videos but saw them differently.
But without a Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Adaari’s decision stood and Kotoko smiled home with a 10th FA Cup victory.
Had there been a VAR intervention, leading to a review and subsequent overturn of the decision, Kotoko fans would have definitely been up in arms, protesting vehemently like the Golden Kick disguised fans did.
But that is the beauty of football; momentarily dividing and the next moment uniting.
But for the controversy which is ongoing, Sunday’s game was by far the finest in the FA Cup finals witnessed in the last decade.
Kotoko were overwhelming favourites and Golden Kick massive underdogs.
However, the winners would be the first to admit that they were involved in a game of their lives.
Coach Karim Zito did not hide this fact. In a post-match interview, he stated “I am not surprised at all. I actually predicted it because it would have been better and more comfortable with a top division side. This is a DOL side with nothing to lose. Getting to the finals of the FA Cup is already an achievement. Playing Kotoko is another motivation. They have nothing to lose but have all to gain if they win.”
But in celebrating Kotoko, it is equally important to commend the effort of the Golden Kick side for their gallantry.
They proved that the class between the GPL and DOL is only vast on paper but slender on the pitch.
The likes of Kelvin Kofi Saaba, Roland Gripman, Owusu Dacosta, Paul Yeboah, Abdulai Zakari and Bless Ege clearly outshone their more experienced Kotoko stars.
Their pace, athleticism, control, dexterity and composure were superb, forcing the Porcupine Warriors to be unnecessarily physical to contain them.
While brooding over a lost opportunity to lay hand on a major silverware, Coach Fiifi Parker Hanson should feel worthy about the good work he is doing with this young generation of talents.
\He may have been undone by a contentious decision but what was seen from his charges will remain in the memory of football fans for a long time.
But the debate as to whether Adaari’s call was precise or erroneous would continue for a long time without answer
By Andrew Nortey
The four-day international tennis championship between the Accra Lawn Tennis Club of Ghana and Ikoyi Sports Club of Nigeria is set to reach its climax tomorrow at the Accra Lawn Tennis Courts (ALTC) in Accra.
According to the organisers, tomorrow would witness high profile matches with a lot at stake as both clubs aim to unsettle each other to enhance the rivalry between the two nations.
The event is an annual arrangement between the two clubs that sees the championship rotated among them.
The team representing Ghana includes Thomas Amoako Boafo, Issek Antwi-Agyei, Dr Abraham Oppong Adjei and Palm Nii Okine for the 40+ years’ division.
The trio of Dr Bankah, Abeiku Bentsi and Ekow Arthur will be in contention for the 50 years plus group while the pairs of Dr Maxwell Adjei and Edmund Nii Botchway, Frederick Van De Vyer and David Carreras and Nicholas Kumadey and Palm Nii Okine feature against the Nigerians in the Doubles championship.
In the Men’s division, the onus would be on Chris Hammond, Kweku Amakye, Nana Dr Kofi Boakye, Chris Tagoe, Dr Henry Holdbrook-Smith, Nick Akpebu, Brian Benneh and Michele Nemesi to make the ALTC proud.
The women for the Ladies competition are Kate Coleman, Fatiha Menzel, Naa Ofoli, Wendy Quartey, Wanda Quartey and Kuukua Bartels-Kodwo.
Veteran player, Peter Annan, will be the Acting Captain of Team Ghana and would be ably assisted by Lawrence Lartey.
Expected to lead the ALTC is Dr Maxwell Adjei, who is the newly elected Chairman of the club. He is also the Head of Dental at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital).
Mr Peter Annan, the Acting Captain of ALTC, told The Spectator that as part of the arrangement for the international friendly, a special tour was organised for members of Team Ikoyi.
He was confident that as the host club, ALTC will prevail as winners of this year’s edition which ends tomorrow.
BY ANDREW NORTEY
The Street Academy’s annual health walk has been postponed.
The event, the 26th edition, was initially slated for today but was postponed due to the two-day cleaning exercise instituted by President John Dramani Mahama.
This year’s edition is on the theme: ‘Feet on the Street, Hope in Motion.’
According to the organisers, the event would be held on August 1 with all protocols intact.
Dr Ataa Lartey, the Founder and Executive Director of the Academy, told The Spectator that the walk which was expected to be joined by a few dignitaries will start at the Accra Art Centre.
From there, it would proceed through the principal streets of Accra to James Town and return to the starting point.
The event aims to raise awareness about the plight of needy and underprivileged children, promote healthy living, and advocate the importance of basic education.
According to Dr Lartey, the walk will feature a range of activities, including a brisk group walk, mass aerobics, free health screening, and entertainment for children.
By Spectator Sports Reporter
