Asante Kotoko were left to rue another blunt attacking display as they were held to a rugged 0–0 draw by Berekum Chelsea in a sun-soaked Matchweek 18 clash of the Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
In a game short on clear-cut chances, Abdul Karim Zito’s men dominated most of possession but once again struggled to translate control into goals, sending a series of hopeful efforts sailing over the crossbar in a frustrating afternoon for the Kum Apem supporters.
Kotoko enjoyed the better of the play and finished with 56 percent possession, probing patiently and racking up 13 attempts on goal. However, only three shots tested the goalkeeper.
Despite the Porcupine Warriors territorial advantage, clear chances were few and far between, with the game often bogged down in midfield battles and broken up by stoppages, making it a difficult watch for fans hoping for expansive football.
Berekum Chelsea, for their part, were disciplined and tough nut to crack as they soaked up pressure and threatening intermittently on the counter. Their most dangerous moments came through direct incursions through the centre, where they managed six shots, three of which were on target, asking occasional questions of the Kotoko backline led by Samba O'neil, who later bagged the Man of the Match award.
Zito will draw positives from his side’s defensive discipline, as Kotoko kept the Bibires quiet to limited openings and maintained control for long stretches. The Porcupine Warriors also earned seven corner kicks and were shown just one yellow card in a largely controlled display.
Chelsea finished with 44 percent possession, two corners, and picked up two yellow cards, as they battled hard to secure a valuable away point.
In the end, the stalemate marked Kotoko’s second draw in seven matches, a result that keeps them ticking over but highlights ongoing concerns in attack, while Berekum Chelsea will be satisfied to have emerged unscathed from a difficult trip to Kumasi.
By: Pascal Amoah
