Faisal hold Kotoko

Kumasi, Nov.23, GNA - King Faisal Babies held the defending Champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko to a pulsating goalless drawn game in their first match of the 2008/09 premiership encounter at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday.

It was a match which was well attended following the pronouncement of the management of King Faisal of their newly signed player Baba Armando, who promised beating Kotoko to start their vision of winning the league this season.


It was Kotoko, who got into attack with the last season's goal King, Eric Bekoe finishing up with a mean shot, which was saved by goalkeeper Osei Boateng in the first minute when referee Lord Vuvor whistled for hostilities to begin. Faisal counter attacked and in the 7th minute Ibrahim Basit moved deep into the vital area of Kotoko and sent in a cross but Micky Ofosu wasted the chance.


Kotoko continued to pile up pressure to find the opener with their hard tackling Godfred Yeboah attracting a yellow card for rough a play in the 10th minute.

Faisal turned the heat on and nearly took the lead in the 11th minute but goalkeeper Eric Nii Baah saved Micky Ofosu's shot. Firing from all angles, Faisal matched Kotoko players boot for boot but wasted the chances that came their way. Let off the hook, Kotoko came close to scoring in the 21st minute but a shot from Kwadwo Opoku missed the post narrowly with Francis Coffie also missing an opportunity in the 26th minute. King Faisal determined to beat Kotoko wasted a glaring chance in the 32nd minute with Ibrahim Basit shooting feebly into the hands of the goalkeeper.


Both teams improved on their game in the second half but neither was able to find the net.