Player ratings: Kotoko draw 1-1 with Al Hilal in Kumasi

By:brightwebtv.com/Martin awuku.

Kotoko clawed back a draw from a looming defeatat the Baba Yara Stadium as they kept hopes making it into the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup alive.

Waleed Hamid had silenced the home crowd in the first half before Songne Yacouba poked in the leveler in the second. The result means the Porcupine Warriors are now third in Group with seven points, two points behind leaders Nkana (Zambia, nine points) and a point behind second-placed Al Hilal (eight). Zambia’s Zesco are the only side whose point haul (four) means they are out.

In a game where Kotoko seemed to show too much respect to the Sudanese giants, C.K Akonnor’s side were a bit ponderous on the ball for large portions of the game, giving the experienced Al Hilal time to regroup at many points.
Here is how we rated the Porcupine Warriors

Felix Annan – 6.5
Although he failed to keep a clean sheet, he was very instrumental once again as he made a couple of brilliant saves against the round of play.
Amos Frimpong – 6
Not one of his best days. He could have done better in terms of preventing Al Hilal’s cross for their first goal.

Wahab Adams – 6
Though he played a majority of the game with an injured nose, he was aerially dominant and commanding at the back.
Agyemang Badu – 6.5

A strong display by the center back despite one lapse in concentration during the first half. His driving run led to the equalizer for Kotoko.
Daniel Dankwah – 6
He got down the left flank and put in some good crosses. Defensively, he could have done better as he was easily overrun sometimes.

Kwame Bonsu – 6
He failed to stamp his authority in the midfield area as he usually does. He lost the ball quite a number of times.
Umar Bashiru – 6
Lost his man Waleed Hamid in the build-up to Hilal’s first goal. He wasn’t very imposing on the game and failed to dominate the midfield proceedings.
Emmanuel Gyamfi – 7.5
Full of energy throughout the whole game. Kotoko’s best player on the day. Missed a glorious opportunity in the first half but made amends by assisting Yacouba’s goal.
Fatawu Safiu – 7
A fairly silent afternoon for the attacking midfielder. He had two incredible moments from set pieces as he struck the crossbar and the post in both occasions.
Martin Antwi – 5.5
Failed to finish the first half but was very active on the pitch. He kept his width and looked very energetic.
Songne Yacouba – 8
Dropped deep to influence play on a number of occasions. He scored the equalizer for Kotoko with a brilliant header.
SUBS
Obed Owusu – 6.5
He injected a lot of energy into the game after his introduction.
Daniel Nii Adjei – 5.5
Looked shaky after coming on and was disposed of a number of times.
Stephen Nyarko – N/A
Akonnor made two changes from the side that started against Nkana last week.
Starting XI (Kotoko):
Felix Annan, Daniel Darkwah, Amos Frimpong, Wahab Adams, Emmanuel Agyemag-Badu, Emmanuel Gyamfi, Abdul Shafiu Fatawu, Martin Antwi, Kwame Bonsu, Umar Basiru and Songne Yacouba.

Source: Ghana/Joy Sports/