A heavyweights performance saw Mahala Football Academy humble noisy PAC Academy on Sunday afternoon in the 2022-23 Ashanti Regional Division Two League match-week 15 encounter.
At the Wesco Park in Kumasi, Mahala Football Academy staged a resounding determination and believe to silence PAC Academy with a 3-2 victory to end their unbeaten run in the second round of the campaign.
PAC Academy prior to this game, had gone three games winning streak but bowed to Mahala Football Academy over the weekend’s.
What happened?
The visitors, Mahala Football Academy after a very good start to the game went asleep for PAC Academy to torment them in all departments of the game. In the first quarter was a nightmare for the Academy lads but eventually calmed the nerves with a deserving opener from Emmanuel Attah in the 18th minute.
With striker Kofi Agyemang opening wide on the left side of our attack, we exposed the center-backs of the host with a brilliant piece of pass to locate sensational attacking midfielder Emmanuel Attah Frimpong in the 18-yard box and with no mistake he connected well to give Mahala Football Academy the lead.
The away side, grew stronger and managed to turn the pressure on PAC Academy there after. Absolute, dominance from Mahala Football Academy from the 20th minute mark through to the 40th minute of the first half. But with a poor tackle, we got punished severely by PAC who leveled in the 41st minute.
Despite, additional time of five minutes added by 4th official expired, it was miraculous to still have the center referee signalling game on which saw PAC Academy win a free-kick 18-meters away from goal. A good wall was formed by goalkeeper Maxwell Gyamfi but the kick beat the wall and saw Gyamfi hands on it but it was late for the shot-stopper to reflex seeing a tap in from the host to take the lead before half time.
2-1 at first department, meant determined Mahala Football Academy would have to atleast go into the second session for a draw or stage a comeback.
Gaffer Emmanuel Nkrumah introduced winger Solomon Afriyie and attacking midfielder Isaac Asumadu with Asenso Kelvin and Anthony Osei Ameyaw both paving way. The substitution immediately had a positive impact on the team as they inspired the lads to equalize the 2-1 deficit before the 80th minute.
Exactly on the 75th minute, Mahala Football Academy drew parity through defender Osman Salifu. It was game on, for the visiting team who were not ready to take off their feet.
9 minutes later, central midfielder Awudu Mohammed gave us the lead with a powerful header to make scores 3-2. His goal eventually carried us through with all maximum points as it was well orchestrated from our right side of attack.
WHAT NEXT?
The enigmatic moment which saw us amass a 3-2 win puts Mahala Football Academy in a good position to achieve our target thus qualify for middle league. Our triumph means, we close the gap between PAC Academy who sit top with 29 points and Longford FC second with 26 points.
Currently, Mahala Football Academy have accumulated 25 points with an outstanding game to clear.
Right-footed but left winger, Asenso Kelvin won the Most Valuable player award of the encounter. His sterling performance could not be overlooked as the match commissioner recognised him with the accolade.
Asenso truly deserve the award, having played a phenomenal role in the side’s big win on Sunday.
NEXT FIXTURE
Mahala Football Academy will next face River Plate FC in week 16 fixture of the league on Sunday April 09, 2023.
Below is the starting line-up for PAC Game
Maxwel Gyamfi (GK)
Anthony Osei Ameyaw (C)
Robben
Joseph Boadi
Eric Afriyie
Osman salifu
Sherif Hakeem
Asenso Kelvin
Anthony Ameyaw
Kofi Agyemang
Awudu Mohammed
Emmanuel Attah Frimpong
