Asante Kotoko Communications Director, Sarfo Duku, has strongly condemned goalkeeper Mohammed Camara's actions during their recent CAF Confederation Cup match against Wydad Athletic Club. The Porcupine Warriors suffered a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of the preliminary round held in Accra, a game marred by Camara's sending off.
Camara received a red card in the second half after handling the ball outside the penalty area. Duku described the goalkeeper's behavior as unsportsmanlike, stating that it negatively impacted the team's chances of securing a positive result. The incident occurred while Kotoko was already trailing, further compounding their woes.
"Mohammed Camara's actions were simply unacceptable. A goalkeeper of his experience should know better than to commit such a blatant foul that leads to a red card," Duku stated in a post-match interview. "His unsportsmanlike conduct put the team under unnecessary pressure and ultimately contributed to our defeat."
Kotoko now faces an uphill battle in the second leg of the tie. The team will need to produce a strong performance away from home to overturn the deficit and advance to the next stage of the competition. Duku urged the team to learn from their mistakes and focus on securing a victory in the return leg.
The red card incident has sparked debate among Kotoko fans, with many expressing their disappointment with Camara's actions. Some have called for the goalkeeper to be disciplined, while others believe that he deserves a second chance. The club's management is yet to release an official statement regarding the matter.
Key Takeaways
- Asante Kotoko lost 1-0 to Wydad Athletic Club in the CAF Confederation Cup.
- Goalkeeper Mohammed Camara was sent off for handling the ball outside the penalty area.
- Sarfo Duku criticized Camara's behavior as unsportsmanlike.
- Kotoko faces a tough challenge in the second leg.
What's Next?
Kotoko will need to regroup quickly and prepare for the crucial second leg match. The team's performance in that game will determine their fate in the CAF Confederation Cup.