High-flying Mahala Football Academy on Sunday refused to take their leg off, the paddle as they continued their impressive performance against Sasaamo Panin in the ongoing 2022-23 Ashanti Regional Division Two League.
Searching for two straight wins of the campaign, it was handed at the Wesco Park but not on a silver plate.
Coach Emmanuel Nkrumah and his charges had to go the extra mile to humble Sasaamo Panin with a 2-1 scoreline for their second triumph of the season. The end to end action, proved it worth but second half changes from Mahala Football Academy technical team did the magic.
A difficult first half game for Mahala Football Academy who were playing at home, saw Emmanuel Attah Frimpong’s close range shot stopped by the visitors goalkeeper to deny us a lead.
The 31st minute chance was the most glorious and descent opportunity that came the way for Mahala Football Academy, yet could not found the net after a brilliant play from striker Kofi Agyemang and locating winger Emmanuel Frimpong.
Three minutes later, Sasaamo Panin turned the pressure to have the lead but thanks to enterprising Goalkeeper Gyebi Richard who made a huge save to keep game barren before 40th minute mark.
Inside the last five minutes of the first session, the homers made three incursions including a set-piece situation on the edge of the opponent box but an idea not to go for power stunned Mahala Football Academy the opportunity to go infront before break.
Half time, and it was a goalless draw at the Wesco Park but Mahala Football Academy had the greatest share of the game with ball possession.
Mahala Football Academy after recess, started on a flat tyre and could not curtail the visitors who created two good chances but all went off target.
Gaffer Emmanuel Nkrumah to settle scores in the midfield had to introduce Okyere Ransford in the 55th minute.
Mohammed Awudu’s place was taken.
Two minutes after the hour mark, substitute Okyere Ransford broke the deadlock to hand his side the lead after enjoying few minutes on the pitch. A brilliant leg over and take-on from the leg flank by forward Kofi Agyemang saw Ransford connect beautifully with the head.
However, our jubilation was cut short following a quick response from Sasaamo Panin as a free header went into the corner of Goalkeeper Gyebi Richard.
Forward Antwi Elijah was introduced from the bench to play his part.
With scores at stalemate, Mahala Football Academy as fast as they could reorganised to torment Sasaamo Panin for a win. But always saw, assistant line one raising flag to stop our dangerous attacking speed of football.
Nevertheless, that could not down the Academy lads as they maintained their composure in search of the winner.
In the die embers of the encounter, a speed attack on our right side of attack fell for Antwi Elijah, breaking his way through, a stupendous bullet shaked the net of Sasaamo Panin and there it was a goal, 2-1 game on.
In the stoppage time, Kofi Agyemang made way for Ali Hamza, a sensational winger.
The unstoppable drive from the substitute proved to be the winner as Sasaamo Panin failed to reply till full duration.
The 2-1 emphatic victory, means we are done in two out of two with 6 points.
Kofi Agyemang
The deadly striker though could not get his name on the scoresheet, but guess what? Agyemang bagged brace of assist after setting up Okyere Ransford for the opener through a left curler and again lying down a sublime pass to Elijah Antwi to get us all three maximum points.
What Next?
We will square off with River Plate FC next week in match day three fixture.
