League champions Berekum Chelsea completed a hat-trick of victories over Kumasi Asante Kotoko FC when they beat them 8-7 on penalties to win the 2011 President’s Cup
The match held at the Accra Sports Stadium to climax the nation’s 51st Republican anniversary celebrations ended on an anticlimax note after the Asante Kotoko team walked off before the presentation ceremony.
The negative reaction of the Kotoko team was after Tamale-based referee Awal Mohammed ordered two penalty kicks by Chelsea duo, Yaw Alexander and Alfred Arthur to be retaken, insisting that the Kotoko goalie Soulama Abdoulaye came off his line before both kicks were taken.
Earlier, the Kotoko team threatened to walk out after Chelsea’s Alfred Arthur’s kick was ordered to be retaken following the keeper’s move from the goal line, thus halting play for close to five minutes before the Porcupine Warriors rescinded their decision following the intervention by some high ranking officials including the Vice President John Mahama.
When calm was restored, Arthur scored on the second attempt before Jackson Owusu, Abdul Basit Mohammed and Adams Ahmed also found target for Chelsea whilst Prince Anokye missed for Kotoko with Ahmed Toure and Frank Boateng hitting the back of the net for the Porcupine Warriors.
The match ended 2-2 in regulation time with Chelsea leading 2-1 at half time before substitute Fatau Mohammed restored parity mid-way through the second half.
Alex Asamoah shot Kotoko into the lead on 20 minutes only for Chelsea’s new recruit Gladson Awako, formerly of Kpando Heart of Lion to draw even two minutes later.
On 35 minutes, Bismark Idan fired Chelsea into the lead for the first time before the tie was evened in the second half forcing the game into penalties.
This is the third time Chelsea had beaten Kotoko this season after home and away victories in the Premier League.
Vice President John Mahama presented the trophy to Chelsea’s captain Abdul Basit amidst chants from the rest of the playing body and technical team even in the absence of the Kotoko team who walked out on in apparent protests.
Source: GNA
