Berekum Chelsea won their first match of the ongoing Normalization Special Cup after beating AshantiGold Sunday afternoon.
In what was an enthralling battle from the bounce, the ‘Bibires’ won 1-0 at the Golden City Park.
Berekum Chelsea looked hungrier for victory especially in the first 15 minutes but most of their chances which fell the way of Jonah Attuquaye got wasted.
AshantiGold gradually warmed themselves into the game with Richard Djodi coming close to opening the scoring in the 21st minute but his curler from afar hit the goal post.
The hosts took control of the game again, piling pressure on the Miners but Frank Boateng put up a top-class save to deny Anane from breaking the deadlock.
After the break, AshantiGold brought on Daniel Gozar and Sadick Adams to replace Amos Addai and Richard Djodi respectively.
The duo tried to make their presence felt but the few chances that came their way were squandered.
The game’s only goal came through on 68 minutes when Kwame Amoako Antwi sent a low shot from close range to give the lead to the hosts.
And Antwi’s strike – also their first goal in the competition – handed Berekum Chelsea their first points in four attempts.
AshantiGold coach Svetislav Tanasijevic, who lost on his return to Berekum against his former club, expressed disappointment in the general performance of the Miners after the match.
Line-ups:
Berekum Chelsea XI: Gideon Ahenkorah – Francis Twene, Zackaria Fuseini, Jonah Attuquaye, Braimah Ali Foster (c), Emmannuel Asamoah-Abew, Alhassan Mankuyali, Kwame Antwi, Seth Larbi Appiah, Prince Anane, Emmanuel Owusu.
AshantiGold XI: Frank Boateng – Yussif Mubarik, Samed Ibrahim, Stephen Sowu, Roland Amouzou – James Akaminko, McCarthy Appiah, Salia Ouattara, Amos Addai – Richard Ella Djodi, Shafiu Mumuni (c)
By Daniel Osei
