There was a sigh of relief at the Akoon Park yesterday for Medeama SC as Vincent Atinga’s last-minute spot-kick sealed the maximum three (3) points for the Mauves in what was a cliffhanger clash against Bechem United at Akoon Park, Tarkwa.
Head Coach, Umar Rabi departed from his usual 4-3-3 formation to a 3-5-2 formation to accommodate Bechem United’s sharp attackers.
In the absence of regular starter and safest pair of hands, Goalkeeper Boris Mandjui Jnr, who went after the knife after tearing a ligament in his left knee. John Mossie who was signed from Techiman XI Wonders, was handed his debut and came with flying colours by keeping a clean sheet.
Baba Musah, Kofi Asmah, and Vincent Atinga formed the trio at the rare of Medeama, with Darlington Gyanfosu and Benjamin Abaidoo as wing-backs; whiles Kwesi Donsu, who captained the team, King Archerson and Rashid Nortey formed the heart of the midfield. In attack were Ahmed Toure and Justice Ato Mensah.
The Mauves started well in the first 15 minutes piling up all the pressure and creating goal-scoring opportunities but got nothing to show for. The visitors got their share of the chances but couldn’t go past John Mossie to register a goal.
Medeama were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty in the 23rd minute when Rashid Nortey was brought down in the 18yard box.
After 45+2 minutes of an end-to-end action with Medeama seeing most of the balls in the opponent’s half, Referee Maxwell Owusu brought the first half to a close.
Medeama started the second half after recess strongly with the introduction of some fresh limbs to improve their firepower against Bechem United who mauled the Tarkwa side 4:0 in the first round of the league at Bechem.
Fans darling boy, Theophilus Anoba came on for Darlington in the 64th minute to augment the attack of Medeama, while Rashid Nortey and Amed Toure both made ways for Jean Vital and Godfred Kwadwo Asamoah respectively.
Things look promising but not enough to find Medeama the needed goals to break the jinx until Jean Vital was brought down in the 18yard box to win Medeama a penalty.
Vincent Atinga elected himself to take the kick for Medeama with precision on the 95th minute after some minutes of heckling and misunderstandings from Bechem United players and technical team on the officiating officials.
Seven (7) minutes of additional time was played before the match was brought to an end with Medeama taking home all the points, moving the team to 5th position on the league log with 29 points, same as King Faisal who are 4th.
Skipper on the day, Kwesi Donsu took home the Nasco man of the match award.
Medeama travels to Bibiani to face Goldstars, who picked a point at Akoon in the first round in our next fixture.
Medeama remained disciplined on the field of play by not going into the referee’s book.
Unused subs:
Sefah, Frimpong, Mumuni, Zutah, Anaba
