Nations FC head coach Frimpong Manso has criticised the standard of officiating following his side’s 3-0 defeat by Asante Kotoko in the Ghana Premier League.
The Pride of Abrankese were beaten in their Matchweek 26 encounter at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, with Kotoko taking control of the match and securing a comfortable victory.
Albert Amoah gave the home side the lead in the 23rd minute, rising to head in the opening goal and put Kotoko ahead at the break.
The Porcupine Warriors sealed the win late on, as captain Samba O’Neil and Guinea forward Morifing Donzo both scored in the final 10 minutes to complete the win.
Despite accepting the outcome, Manso said his side had been denied a “clear” penalty, which he believes could have influenced the course of the game.
“In the final ten minutes, the referee was bold to award two penalties to Asante Kotoko, yet overlooked a clear one for us,” he said.
“We lost 3-0, but the closing stages got away from us as we pushed forward in search of a goal. Our desire to score left us exposed, with too many players committing to attack.
“We accept the defeat, but the circumstances are difficult to ignore.”
The result moves Asante Kotoko up to third place in the table, six points behind leaders Bibiani Goldstars, keeping their hopes of a late title push alive with eight matches remaining.
Nations FC, meanwhile, drop to 11th place after the loss.
Asante Kotoko will next travel to face Aduana FC, while Nations FC are set to host Berekum Chelsea in their next fixture.
By: Pascal Amoah
