FootyDream

Bechem United have released a press statement apologizing for the unsporting behavior of center-back, Samuel Osei Kuffour in their gameweek 19 clash against Asante Kotoko at the Nana Fosu Gyeabor park on Tuesday.

The highly anticipated clash ended in a nerve-racking scoreless draw. In the 22nd minute of the game, center-back Samuel Osei Kuffour was caught on camera leaving a foot on Frank Etouga.

The Bechem United defender went unpunished as the incident happened on the blind side of the referees. The incident has been sternly criticized by Ghanaian football followers, with the majority calling for the suspension of the young center-back.

However, Bechem United has releases a press statement apologizing to Asante Kotoko and the entire football fraternity.

“We wholeheartedly apologise to Asante Kotoko SC player Frank Thierry Mbella Etouga and the entire football fraternity for the unsporting behaviour exhibited by our young defender Samuel Osei Kuffour during the first half of the match day 19 fixture between Bechem United FC and Kumasi Asante Kotoko SC,” the press statement read.

“We would like to reiterate that though Kuffour has been one of the most disciplined players in camp, the management of Bechem United have taken disciplinary measures against him to serve as a deterrent to the entire team.

“Discipline is our hallmark of which every member of the club is expected to be a good ambassador of the club.

“We plead with all and sundry to forgive Kuffour,” the press statement ended.

Osei Kuffour who was named man of the match after the game has also apologized for his actions, adding that the tackle wasn’t a deliberate attempt to blight the career of the Cameroonian international.

“I have spoken and apologized to Frank Mbella [Asante Kotoko] on the Phone on his way back to Kumasi” – the Bechem United center-back said after the game.

“I am very remorseful of the incident that transpired during our home encounter against Kotoko at Bechem Park. I want to articulate my apology to the Cameroonian attacker, Mbella and Kumasi Asante Kotoko.

“I want to fill everyone in that the tackle wasn’t a deliberate attempt to blight the career of the prolific striker. I am very sorry!” he added.

Despite the apologies, the Disciplinary Committee of the Ghana Football Association is expected to punish the Bechem United center-back for his actions.

Bechem United defender, Samuel Osei Kuffour has rendered an unqualified apology to Asante Kotoko striker Franck Mbella Etouga following his uncouth challenge on the Cameronnian during a Ghana Premier League match earlier this afternoon.

The Porcupines engaged the Hunters at the Nana Fosu-Gyeabour Park in Bechem on Tuesday in a Premier League matchweek 19 clash which ended in a goalless draw.

During the match, the Kumasi-born centre-back, Kuffour intentionally stamped on Etouga’s left shoulder in the 22nd-minute after clearing the ball to safety.

His nasty challenge received no caution from centre referee Kennedy Padi and his assistants with Ghana Premier League fans who watched the game descending heavily on the young defender.

However, Kuffuor after the game confirmed that he has called Etouga to render an apology to him and the entire Kotoko team.

“I have spoken and apologized to Frank Mbella (Kotoko Sc) on the Phone on his way back to Kumasi”,  Kuffour said.

“I am very remorseful of the incident that transpired during our home encounter against Kotoko at Bechem Park. I want to articulate my apology to the Cameroonian attacker, Mbella and Kumasi Asante Kotoko. I want to fill everyone in that the tackle wasn’t a deliberate attempt to blight the career of the prolific striker”.

“I am very sorry!, he ended.

Kuffour after the game that ended in a scoreless draw adjudged as the best player.

Watch the incident below:

Bechem United goalkeeper, Abdulai iddrisu has heaped praise on Asante Kotoko’s Ibrahim Danlad following his impressive performance in their 0-0 draw on Tuesday afternoon.

Bechem United held the league leaders Asante Kotoko in a goalless stalemate on match-day 19 of the Ghana Premier League at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park.

Danlad made some incredible saves on the afternoon and organised the defence very well which denied the Hunters from snatching all the maximum points at stake.

WATCH: Highlights: Bechem United 0-0 Asante Kotoko

After the game, Iddrisu, who has also been fantastic in the ongoing season lauded the Asante Kotoko goalkeeper.

“Not the results we expected. Anyway that is what happens when you go up against a solid wall @danlad_ibrahim, ” he tweeted.

Kotoko leads the Premier League log with 41 points, 8 more than second-placed Aduaba Stars. Bechem United occupy the 4th position with 31 points.

Asante Kotoko played a pulsating drawn game against Bechem United at the Nana Fosu-Gyeabour Park on Tuesday afternoon.

Watch the highlights below:

Bechem United held Asante Kotoko to a goalless draw in a 2021/22 Ghana Premier League (GPL) match-day 19 clash at Nana Fosu-Gyeabour Park on Tuesday afternoon.

Both teams were looking to secure all three points in a bid to boost their title bid but in a game that was highly competitive, the two sides failed to find the back of the net.

The Porcupines dominated possession in the first half with Georges Mfegue and Franck Etouga leading the charge.

Bechem United were playing deep in their own half and relied on the counter attack.

Both sides failed to create any clear-cut chances in the first half.

Brazilian midfielder, Fabio Gama was introduced in the game in the second half to replace Mudasiru Salifu, who had a quiet game.

The game opened up as both teams tried to find the opening goal.

Hafiz Konkoni was close to breaking the deadlock in the 78th minute but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim.

The 0-0 draw leaves Kotoko 1st on the league table with 41 points from 19 games while Bechem United sitting on the 4th position with 31 points.

Ogum’s team will take on Gold Stars at the Baba Yara Stadium on Saturday, March 12, 2022, the Hunters will trek to Elmina to face Elmina Sharks in their next game.

Asante Kotoko head coach, Prosper Narteh Ogum has named his men for the Premier League matchweek 19 clash against Bechem United this afternoon.

The Reds visit the Hunters at the Nana Fosu-Gyeabour in Bechem with Ogum making two changes to his squad that played against Hearts of Oak in the President’s Cup last Friday.

Sheriff Mohammed maintains his place in midfield with Richard Boadu coming in for Justice Blay and will partner Mudasiru Salifu in a three-man midfield.

The attack will see Samuel Boateng who comes in for Richmond Lamptey operating from the right side with Georges Mfegue playing from his usual left wing with Mbella Etouga leading the lines.

Asante Kotoko line up;

Ibrahim Danlad (GK), Augustine Agyapong, Ibrahim Imoro, Mubarik Yussif, Abdul Ganiyu (C), Sherrif Mohammed, Samuel Boateng, Richard Boadu, Franck Etouga, Salifu Mudasiru,  Georges Mfegue.