Not even Sheriff Mohammed’s goal could save Kotoko from defeat against Bibiani Goldstars las weekend and the pressure on manager Prosper Narteh Ogum has ramped up a notch ahead of Sunday night’s tricky clash with Karela United FC.
The Porcupine Warriors head into the game in seventeenth place on the table following a dismal start that has seen them yet to win a game in their opening two games. They’ve drawn one and lost one, and the Kotoko fans are growing restless, with many charging Ogum to improve. There is a growing train of thought amongst a section of Kotoko fans that Ogum’s tactics are outdated.
We take a look at three changes Ogum will have to consider if he is to defeat Karela and record his first win of the season.
Get Isaac Oppong running at Fatawu Mohammed
Fatawu Mohammed is an experienced defender but is definitely not one of the best in his position at the moment, although he has a wealth of experience at his disposal. Given that the winger ahead of him is Abdul Karim Ayeh, and Ayeh's defensive work rate is minimal, he will often be left on his own to contain Oppong which could prove a recipe for disaster for the Karela skipper.
Against Bibiani Goldstars, Kotoko’s play was heavily focused down the right side where Augustine Agyapong, Shadrack Addo and Mukwala combined beautifully. If Kotoko can do the same against Karela through the quick interplay and Oppong drawing Fatawu forward there will be space to exploit behind an otherwise tight defensive unit.
With the added threat of Baba Yahaya and Kalo Ouattara to come off the bench and run at both Fatawu and Maxwell Agyemang inside him, this area could be the key for Kotoko and is perhaps the one part of the pitch where they have a clear advantage on paper.
Force Abdul Ganiu into errors
While still an excellent shot-stopper, Ganiu is looking increasingly suspect in the air and with his distribution on the ground. These are things Kotoko can use to their advantage on Sunday. Set-pieces and any high balls into the box, particularly aimed at the forehead of Ouattara, should cause havoc given Ganiu's propensity to misjudge and fumble catches. Players - looking at you here, Kalo - will need to react should he spill.
Beyond that, the Porcupine Warriors should funnel Karela possession back to Ganiu as often as possible leaving him to play out from the back with his feet. The worst-case scenario is he goes long to Evans Adomako but with Michael Dwamena and the two centre-backs Kotoko should be able to win those balls fairly comfortably.
Get Eric Zeze on the ball
In the same way that Kotoko will try to stop Adomako getting the ball, one of Karela’s biggest focuses will be silencing Eric Zeze. The Kotoko man starts attack after attack with his passing and dribbling.
Nobody else in the Kotoko team is remotely capable of doing what he does though, meaning they struggle to create much when they can't get him involved. Karela will undoubtedly be aware of that and will surely have plans in place to limit his influence.
Given that, Ogum needs his own plan for dealing with this, whether it be moving his player or tweaking the entire system. It may seem a drastic change to make just for one player, but it's worth doing; he could control the midfield on his own if able to get possession.
