A late minute goal from Benab FC denied Mahala Football Academy a deserving point, following a 1-0 defeat at the famous Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Friday. Mahala Football Academy having shown high intensity of football coupled with brilliant display didn’t deserve losing to Benab FC in the 2022-23 Ashanti Region Division Two Promotional tournament opener.
Mahala Football Academy started well by making series of goal attempts with as many as three opportunities in the first quarter. Winger Justice Asamoah in the 8th minute serge forward with a beautiful run from the left to beat his marker and a center-back, founding himself in the opponent box, Asamoah failed to gather composure with his left-foot strike getting blocked for a corner.
Emmanuel Attah Frimpong failed to inspire us from the set-piece, having 1v1 situation played wide.
However, Mahala Football Academy continued to torment Benab FC with some excitements play and pure dominance.
Kofi Agyemang won an infringement at an advantageous position, but chance was missed used as accuracy from Isaac Asumadu denied him shot at goal. First half, biggest chance fell for striker Kofi Agyemang inside the Benab FC box from Robben Addai’s cross, if beauty of chesting the ball awards points Agyemang would have received an accolade but surprisedly fired up the goalpost instead of going for a placing.
Numerous incursions were made by Mahala Football Academy but failed to take the lead as first department ended goalless.
Much credit to the backline led by Osman Salifu, and Awudu Mohammed for giving us 65 per cent ball possession in the first half.
After recess, Coach Emmanuel Nkrumah regrouped his charges to mount pressure on Benab FC. A glorious opportunity fell for Justice Asamoah in the 54th minute but was pushed off the ball, yet center referee waved play on without awarding an obvious penalty.
The lads were poised to unsettle the opponent but received a shocker in the last 15 minutes with the referee matching off the pillar of our defence line Osman Salifu with a second yellow card. The center-back in the first half around the 23rd minute received a caution in a controversial situation when he defended the ball with his stomach.
With a man down, Mahala Football Academy still exhibited stupendous performance in fashion worth applauding having goalkeeper Maxwell Gyamfi denying Benab FC the opportunity to take the lead. The shot-stopper made crucial saves putting himself on the line with Man-Of-The-Match performance.
Isaac Asumadu, Sherif and substitute Kelvin Asenso marshall the midfield with ease to receive standing novation from the fans.
However, Benab FC constant long balls into our area profited them with a goal in the die embers of the game though an obvious offside goal but saw referee point to the center for a goal. What a controversial call but Goalkeeper Maxwell Gyamfi deserves an applauds for his enigmatic display in between the sticks.
Benab FC taking advantage of our Red card situation, picked a 1-0 victory over us at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
An unfortunate defeat to open our 2022-23 Ashanti Region Division Two Promotional tournament campaign but brighter days ahead.
What Next?
Mahala Football Academy will next face Jachie United on Monday, May 01 2023 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium exactly 2:00 PM.
