Former coach of Ebusua Dwarfs J. E Sarpong says the Asante Kotoko technical bench should shoulder the blame for their 1-0 loss to Hearts of Oak in Sunday’s Super clash at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Porcupine Warriors tasted their first defeat of the season at the hands of sworn rivals Hearts of Oak in week 8 of the ongoing Ghana premier league via a late controversial penalty by defender Vincent Atinga.
And in the aftermath of the game, teeming supporters of the club demonstrated their dismay at the penalty decision awarded to their rivals by centre referee Samuel Sukah, however coach J.E Sarpong says the fans should not chance their anger on the officials but rather their technical bench for their unfortunate loss.
“It was a legitimate call by the referee and I wouldn’t want anybody to talk about that decision, I’ll give him about 80 to 90% performance rate because he controlled his two assistants very well, and all his calls were spot on,” Sarpong told reporters.
“Kotoko supporters should rather blame their technical bench for poor tactical display and also the defender who unnecessarily slid on the ground whiles he could have stood and stop the ball."
Asante Kotoko maintain their second spot on the league with 17 points but inferior goal difference to leaders Aduana Stars after eight matches whiles Hearts of Oak climb to fifth position with 12 points.