OPINION: Asante Kotoko defence needs urgent attention

Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Narteh believes Asante Kotoko’s only problem against Real Tamale United was the numerous chances his side missed on Wednesday night. He failed to point out the disorganization in the team’s defensive backline.



“I think it is all about converting the chances, once we convert the chances, everything will be fine; that’s all we are left with,” Prosper Narteh said after the draw against RTU

The Kumasi-based club started the season strongly with four wins and a draw in their first five games. During that period, they conceded only one goal; that brilliant solo goal from Fatawu Issahaku on Matchday one.

However, it seems like the performance against Karela United affected the team as they went on to concede four goals in two games after that encounter.

Asante Kotoko defence were all over the place against King Faisal; failure to track back, poor positioning, and terrible decision making allowed Zubairu to run riot at the Baba Yara Stadium.



The poor defensive organization often forces Razak Abalora to step out of his box to challenge the attackers; it worked in the first few games but luck hasn’t been on his side in the past two games.

Club Captain Abdul Ganiyu was criticized for not organizing and commanding the defensive backline against King Faisal, and it looks like the criticism will continue as he missed a penalty and the defence failed to keep a clean sheet against Real Tamale United.

Just like Prosper Narteh, some Kotoko fans will focus on the missed chances but will talk little about how disjointed the defensive backline has been in the past two games.



The present challenge is not only the missed chances, the coach should also work towards organizing his defence to stop his team from conceding avoidable goals.

A famous man once said: “Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles”. Asante Kotoko defence will have to step up if they want to challenge for the League Title.