Two first half goals in the 30th and 37th-minute by Isacc Quainoo and Richard Atika propelled Elmina Sharks to victory on match day 8 of the GN Bank National Division One League at the Dr. Nduom Sports Complex in Elmina. However, on the 90th-minute, Ackerson Augustus pulled a consolation goal for Tarkwa United.
Elmina Sharks entered the game with 3 wins at home and an away draw, resulting in 12 points from previous matches while Tarkwa United came into the game with 3 wins and 4 defeats, amassing 9 points from previous matches, but yet to record away victory.
Elmina Sharks have beaten Wassaman United, Samartex and Proud united at home whiles Tarkwa United had lost to Karela FC, Cornerstone and Samartex on away.
With regards to goal scoring, Elmina Sharks before this game had scored 12 goals and conceded 7 goals whereas Tarkwa United had banged in 9 goals and conceded 10.
Elmina sharks made their intentions clear when the game commenced by orchestrating lots of attacks and searching for an early lead. With Benjamin Tweneboah, Richard Atika and Isaac Quainoo operating upfront for Elmina sharks, decent chances were created but were squandered as well.
Winger Tweneboah Benjamin tormented Tarkwa United’s defence with his pace and made the entire duration too difficult for the Tarkwa lads at the rear. Tarkwa United had a glorious opportunity in the 22nd-minute but wasted by striker, Azuleythy Robert.
On the 30th-minute, Richard Atika provided a master to Isaac Quainoo who managed to curl the ball into the yawning net. In the 37th-minute, Isaac Quainoo released a nice pass beyond the efforts of goalkeeper, Salifu Yahaya, which located unmarked Richard Atika who patiently tapped the ball into the net.
Tarkwa United, notwithstanding, exhibited some brilliant displays especially during the latter part of the second half which fetched them the consolation goal. On the 90th minute, Ackerson Augustus, who held onto a through ball managed to beat goalkeeper Essam Joseph.
Elmina Sharks, playing at home, had an unflinching support from their staunch supporters. The supporters trooped to the stadium just to make sure they provide the necessary morale for the players and the technical handlers.
Knowing exactly that they want to maintain their home record, they cheered the players with much excitement and enthusiasm, making it uneasy for Tarkwa United to bear.
Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom, the President and Financier of Elmina Sharks, graced the event in the company of his wife Mrs. Yvonne Nduom to watch the rest of the proceedings. His presence, to a large extent, motivated his players and technical men to deliver as expected of them.
It brought the needed zeal and confidence which added up to such impressive performance by Elmina Sharks on the day, apart from the game being beamed live on First Digital TV platforms.
Twenebaoh Benjamin emerged as the man of the match having tormented Tarkwa United’s defence to produce the win for his team.
With his quick pace, he invited cynical tackles from the defenders of Tarkwa United.
In the end, Twenebaoh Benjamin said, “I thank God and he has really been helpful to me in my career. I am able to do all these all a result of He (God) answering my prayers. I am still doing lots of training and am not going to allow anything to block me from doing my best he said”
