Bechem United split points at home with Arsenal

Published on: 17 December 2011

Bechem United failed to record their third home game in a row after drawing 1-1 with Berekum Arsenal on Saturday. 

In-form Peter Essien shot Bechem United on the stroke of half-time but Stephen Amankwaah came off the bench to equalize in the 84th minute.

It was an evenly-balanced match but the home side played a more aggressive strategy in the first 45 minutes.

Bechem knew a win could take them out of the drop zone at least for 24 hours and were combative in midfield but lacked the finishing power.

Veteran Peter Ofori-Quaye and Richard Addai could not unlock the Arsenal rearguard.

Arsenal had limited chances in half as they managed commit no player in attack.

The closest they came was a James Boadu shot that flew over Ransford Cudjoe's crossbar on 27 minutes.

Just when Arsenal thought they were going into the dressing room for recess with a clean sheet, Essien unleashed a thunderbolt which beat impressive goalkeeper Rashid Muntawakilu.

The former Ghana Under-17 player finished off a knockdown by Ofori-Quaye with a fierce half-volley.

Arsenal responded in the second period. Joseph Masel watched his free header missed the post narrowly just after the interval before substitute Enock Asare wasted another glorious chance.

Basha Mohammed beautifully shimmed James Papa Yaw in midfield before trying his luck with a speculative shot from midfield which went into the sky.

Ofori-Quaye ensured Bechem United were rewarded with an opportunity to double their lead but Essien's shot met the outstretched left foot of John Afrifa.

Ofori-Quaye failed to abandon his chance wasting tradition when he wasted a glaring chance with only the Arsenal goalkeeper to beat.

Arsenal coach Samuel Yeboah brought on Stephen Amankwaah midway through the second and that yielded dividend.

The striker received a through pass from Collins Adjei Pele in midfield which he patiently controlled and entered the box before blasting home the leveller with a powerful left foot.

Both sides will still remain trapped in the relegation zone with ten points appease.

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