Kotoko hit back at ‘desperate’ Hearts, insist they are ready to face-off in eligibility protest

By Patrick Akoto

Asante Kotoko have rubbished claims of fielding an unqualified player in their Premier League win over Hearts of Oak, labeling the threat from their arch-rivals as a ‘desperate’ attempt to save their sinking boat.

The Porcupine Warriors have been under the spotlight this week after reports emerged they fielded ineligible striker Obed Owusu during their 2-1 win over the capital-based club on Sunday.

Hearts are reported to be tossing with the idea of filing for eligibility protest against the champions with widespread reports they have strong evidence to back their claim.

The report has sent Kotoko’s teeming supporters in anguish with growing calls for officials to clear the air on the raging matter which could have dire consequences in their relegation push.

But in a statement signed by the club’s Communication Director, Kwaku Ahenkorah, the club has rubbished the claims and say they are ready to face their arch-rivals in the legal tussle amid calming nerves among their fans.

“The attention of Kotoko’s management has been drawn to media reports that, the club fielded an unqualified player in last Sunday’s Premier League match against Hearts of Oak, which the Porcupine Warriors won 2-1. We are told that, the relegation threatened Hearts of Oak, perhaps out of desperation, are in the process of filing a protest against Kotoko as a result,”

 “We even understand that, Ashgold have even taken the lead. While we initially did not want to respond to this, especially in the media because of its inherent tendency to derail our focus, we are compelled to come out to urge our loyal supporters to ignore any talk about the so-called protest. Kotoko have done no wrong to warrant points-deduction.”

The statement further added: “The club has at all times played by the rules of the game. We have not and did not field an unqualified player anywhere. We reiterate the appeal to our supporters to be clam. They should stay confident. We indeed entreat them to be at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium as we play All Stars on Wednesday afternoon.

“Let us be at the stadium to throw our weight behind Coach David Duncan and the players for another win. If at any time, we are called by the Ghana Football Association (GFA)’s Disciplinary Committee to respond to any allegation, we will do so appropriately.”

Owusu played the entire duration of the game as the Porcupine Warriors recorded a deserved 2-1 win over Hearts in the big clash in the capital but the latest twist has cast shadow over their victory.

With Hearts flirting with relegation, every single point will count in their survival push as the league gradually reaches home stretch and are likely to test the law with a ground-breaking eligibility protest against their sworn rivals.

The Phobians are firmly rooted in 15th position and must a produce win at Liberty Professionals in mid-week and hope other results go their way to move out of the trap net.