1959 League: Year for Kumasi clubs

The 1959 league was keener than the maiden contest and ended in a sparkling triumph for the Kumasi clubs. This was the year that Kotoko earned the tag FABULOUS. They were really in top form. Apart from two defeats at the hands of Sekondi Hasaacas, and an away loss to Great Olympics, the fabulous boys won all encounters to snatch the cup, beating close rivals, Hearts, 4-2 in Accra, and 3-2 in Kumasi.

Kotokos two defeats by Hasaacas were the most interesting events of the season. Kotoko lost at home 2-3 in the first leg and thus went all out for revenge in the return at the Gyandu Park. In the first 15 minutes, Kotoko were up by two goals through Awuah and Salisu. The Porcupines are getting wild, fans began to say. But just before the recess, Ali reduced the arrears for Hasaacas.

Fleet-footed left winger Mohammed Salisu, who had the knack for manufacturing goals from acute angles, mounted Kotokos lead to 3-1 a few minutes after resumption. It was then smooth sailing for Kotoko until fifteen minutes to full time when the drama happened.

Aggrey-Fynn scored from the penalty spot and by the 80th minute Hasaacas were on level terms through Ali. When Baba Yara missed a penalty in the 83rd minute, pressure mounted on Kotoko and with goalkeeper, Kwao Baffoe, obviously confused, Hasaacas got two rapid goals through Arthurs free-kick and an 88th minute killer goal by Aggrey-Fynn.

It was a dramatic victory which earned Hasaacas the tag, Giants of the West

League Table

TEAMS        P        W        D        L        F        A        PTS