Ten-man Olympics holds Asante Kotoko

Accra, Oct. 18, GNA - Premiership returnees Accra Great Olympics displayed a determined performance to hold Kumasi Asante Kotoko to a one all drawn game in the 2008/2009 Glo-Premier League opening season opener on Sunday at the Ohene Djan Stadium I Accra. Olympics came from behind to level up through James Abban from the spot on 74th minute after defender Ofosu Appiah had put Kotoko in the lead two minutes from half time.

The Premiership returnees' who endured the pressure of the game with 10-men after Malik Akowuah was given the marching off orders for a dangerous tackle on Kotoko's Godfred Ofosu on 35 minutes, squarely matched the 'Porcupine Warriors' with a performance that confirmed their readiness to dine with the elites of Ghana football. Kotoko kicked off brightly as their trio of Jordan Opoku, Daniel Nii Agyei and new recruit Frank Boateng seized the midfield from the onset with consistent raids into half of the Wonder lads. But Olympics, who were making a return to the top flight after two seasons in the lower ranks also had their share of the exchanges as both teams shared honours till the half hour mark.

Two minutes to the recess, Appiah soared above his markers to head home unchallenged for the opener from a Francis Coffie effort from a free-kick around the Olympics defensive area. Prior to the effort the homers had been dealt a major blow with the dismissal of Akowuah who had served as the link between the midfield and the attack.

Kotoko resumed the second half more purposeful and were gifted with a penalty on 48 minutes but new recruit Abdul Samad Oppong's effort was parried away by Olympics goalie Muntari Tagoe. Moments after the Wonder Boys took charge of the game and on 74 minutes, Kotoko midfielder Opoku fouled Abban just across the penalty area, which Takoradi-based FIFA referee Cecil Fleischer signalled for a penalty. Olympics Abban converted the resultant spot kick to level the scores. Soon after the equaliser, Kotoko's attack switched to blunt edge as substitute Kwabena Yaro who replaced Kabiru Moro failed to make the most of the numerous chances that came his way. The numerical advantage never told on the performance of the Porcupine Warriors as Olympics appeared content with a point and managed to hold unto the proceedings to the end.