2024/25 GPL: Berekum Chelsea’s Fuseini Zackaria scores to deny Asante Kotoko victory

Fuseini Zackaria scored a superb volley to rescue a point for Berekum Chelsea and deny Asante Kotoko victory at the Golden City Park in week four of the Ghana Premier League.

Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum handed starting roles to the trio of Justice Blay, Patrick Asiedu, and Dauda Saaka following injuries to Baba Yahaya, Samba O’Neil, and Esmat Abdulhamid and had the best possible start.

Winger Saaka’s cut-back found Michael Kyei Dwamena, who tucked home from close range to go ahead inside three minutes.

Kotoko then switched into defensive mode as the hosts, Chelsea, dominated play but were limited to a few scoring opportunities.

The Blues should have restored parity on the stroke of half-time when a loose ball fell in the path of Emmanuel Sarpong, but the forward could not get a clean connection to sternly test Kotoko goalkeeper Frederick Asare.

He, however, forced Frederick to make a save following a venomous free kick in the early stages of the second half.

The visitors were resolute at the back until captain Zackaria produced a moment of magic, pouncing on a flicked header to unleash a volley that Frederick got a touch on but could not keep out.

Meanwhile, the match was nearly marred by acts of hooliganism, as a section of aggrieved supporters was spotted allegedly attempting to assault the referee, George Mawuli Vormawor after the break.

The police had to intervene and escort the official onto the pitch for the restart.

Kotoko have now gone 12 matches without beating Chelsea away at the Golden City Park (L6, D6).

The stalemate appears disappointing for coach Ogum, who has now led his side to just one win in three matches in the ongoing season.

The Porcupines will hope for redemption in their next fixture, which is an outstanding match against Nsoatreman on Wednesday, to improve their current 5th place.

Coach Samuel Boadu’s Chelsea, who sit in 6th, will welcome Young Apostles in their next outing.