Accra, Jan 6, GNA - Zaytuna United dropped valuable points at home once again after being held to a one all draw by Kumasi King Faisal in their ninth week Onetouch Premier League clash at the Dansoman Carl Reindorf Park on Sunday.
A spirited second half performance secured Faisal a point as the newly promoted side still search for their second home win. Zaytuna has never won at home since beating Gamba All Blacks 3-2 in the third week clash last December. Both teams struggled to discover their rhythm in the opening minutes of the closely contested encounter, which had most of the action in the midfield.
But Zaytuna will take a surprise lead after 24 minutes through Frank Boateng, who slammed home from a goal mouth action, which forced Faisal goalie Osei Boateng out of his position. The visitors commenced the second half on a purposeful note coupled with the introduction of Abedi Sarfo, who replaced Ofosu Mickey on the stroke of the first half.
Faisal launched several raids into their host's half which, kept the Zaytuna defenders on the heat. In the 66th minute, Sarfo nearly drew equal for his side but his thunderbolt ricocheted off the cross bar with goalkeeper Tetteh Lugard completely beaten.
Seven minutes later, he made amends with a superb curling kick from a free-kick around the edge of the Zaytuna penalty box, which beat Lugard this time, despite the goalie stretching to his full limit, after hardworking Samad Oppong was fouled by Osei Bonsu. Zaytuna lifted up their game and succeeded in earning a penalty in the 78th minute after Faisal's central defender Awudu Nafiu handled the ball in the penalty area. But dread-locked midfielder Daniel Larbi had his kick saved by Faisal goalie Boateng, while Nicolas Coffie's rebound went wide, dashing their hopes.
