Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s team bus had a difficult time leaving the Accra Sports Stadium in the aftermath of their victory over arch-rivals Accra Hearts of Oak on Sunday.
Personnel from the Ghana Police Service and the Armed Forces literally had to beg the jubilant fans to make way for the red and white coloured bus of Kotoko.
The fans had earlier in the stands done the famous ‘omo ada’ dance with coach CK Akunnor who claims he almost experienced a heart attack after Hearts’ last-gasp equalizer.
Speaking after the game, CK Akunnor revealed that Hearts’ late minute came as shock to him.
“When they equalize, I thought I had a heart attack because it was injury time and I thought the boys did not deserve that. They defended very well and were able to contain the pressure from the opponents. Penalties is always 50-50 and they did it and I’m proud of them”.
Akunnor’s stint with Kotoko has not been all rosy. Calls for him to be fired has been made a few times by fans of the club including Seidu Mba who is currently in police grips for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of the Canada girls.
But Akunnor believes he is building a ‘big project’ for the club and would need the patience and time of not only the club’s executives but the fans as well.
He placed a call to the fans to give him for time to raise a team that will win local and continental honours for Kotoko.
“I know I have to improve but I need time to improve. I also need time to improve this team. I know the people of Asanteman are a little bit impatient but we are on a journey. A journey that will look good in the near future”.
After an exciting 1-1 draw, Kotoko advanced to the finals due to a 5-4 victory over Hearts on penalty shootouts.
Kotoko will face Karela United who pipped Ashgold 1-0 in the other semi-final fixture of NC’s Special Competition.