PhoboFabulous- Tossing the Soccer Bosses

Sourcing the Bosses
The much anticipated clash between the two most glamorous clubs, Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante was disappointing in terms of the result in the 50th league game involving the two sides but definitely was not short on excitement as evident by the end to end action which saw the two teams go at each other. This piece seeks to introduce a 'soccertaining' twist to an amalgam of pre and post match analysis or for a better want for an expression Soccertaining Analysis.

Building the Bosses
The two teams settled for the spoils in the week seven Glo Premier League top-liner at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday November 20, 2011. The build up to the match was intense with the usual exchanges between fans playing and winning the match with their buccal cavity. The hype that surrounded this match was massive with all media outlets firing on all cylinders with the aim I believe to reverse the trend of poor numbers at the Stadia in the various league centers. So then if over 35,000 fans throng the Accra Sports Stadium to witness this titanic duo is anything to go by, then I think the media deserve some credit. Hope you do agree with me. At this point I can literally imagine some sports journalists calling for improved 'media relations' in wake of this outcome.

Tossing the Bosses
The match deserved the huge hype it got, quite apart from it been an encounter between Ghana's club 'soccer bosses' with the quest of battle for supremacy and pride at stake, there were other distinctive factors that even got the attention of the 'football gods'. First, it was a battle for top spot on the league table. A win or draw for Kotoko was going to activate its occupancy at the summit of the table and a loss for Hearts was going to ensure that this eluded them. This is even critical after they were 'dwarfed' by the Abontoa bontoa boys last two weeks encounter to prevent them from occupying top spot in a centenary caravan. Second, it was a match between a team who were desperately looking for the icing on their hundred old cake after Enugu rangers offered Agushi Soup in exchange for the icing. Also, their rivals wanted to prove that you do not need to oldest club in Ghana to win this match and was determined to replicate the unpleasant 'Enugu' episode (from a Phobian point of view). Third, Accra Hearts of Oak going into this match had not conceded a goal at the Accra Sports Stadium this season. On the other hand Kotoko was the team with the highest number of goals in the season. Thus, the match was dubbed -'the best defense squaring off against the best attack in the league'.

Teasing Out the Bosses
Before the start of the game I advanced the 'PhoboFabulous' thesis (contained in my status update on Facebook) - the match was going end in a stalemate after my assessment of the technical and psychological milieu of the game.

Gaming the Bosses

The over 35,000 fans who throng the stadium were treated to an exciting and grueling encounter. The ambiance at the stadium was one of frenzy and ecstasy, as the expectant and jubilant supporters engaged in singing, drumming, dancing and all sort of antics to match the pedigree of the game. I bet the musical chapter 0 of Accra Hearts of Oak were in their high voices. It is significant to note that the spectacle witnessed at the stadium last Sunday had been missing for a while. At least we know it was below par the standard the national teams especially the Black Stars have set. The last time I recall something of this nature was at the Micheal Essien's charity match on AU day May 25th 2011. The game kicked-off with both sides having a go at each other. Hearts had the better of possession during the first halve, but it was Kotoko who made dangerous incursions in the halves of Hearts with Ahmed Toure and Yayha Mohammed being the chief tormentors. However both sides missed glaring chances with Nathaniel Asamoah, Uriah Asante, Toure and Yayha Mohammed being the chief culprits. The failure to put such clear cut chances at this high level of competition is highly unacceptable. It only further reveals the deficit of strikers to put the ball the back of the net. Thus, the goal scoring department still needs a lot of work especially when arguably our best local talents were showcased last Sunday.

Popping the Bosses
So, who made into my zone of excellence? I refer to as the 'top of the pops'- It goes to Yayha Mohammed of Kotoko and Philip Baompong. Yayha Mohammed, for his display of shooting prowess, I counted 3 shots on target form his bullet styled deliveries. He also offered immense support to the midfield. Philip Boampong, for excelling in the battle of 'Boampong v Toure'. The young man was the reason Asante Kotoko maxman Toure couldn't find the twine of the net. His defense abilities were stupendous and kept the best attacking team in the league so far at bay. So, popping the bosses, CHEERY for Philip BOAMPONG and Yayha Mohammed

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Protecting the Bosses
Security at the stadium last Sunday was lapsed. There was chaos at the entrance of the stadium over tickets, the police couldn't prevent some miscreants supporters threw sachet water onto the pitch and at some point 'missiles'. Indeed, one of these missiles hit a player but was lucky to escape unhurt. The security must clamp down on these acts, cause arrests and prosecute to stem this culture of impunity. Lets us remember MAY 9 happened. (Not to remind you of your grief)

Whistling the Bosses
Complaints of bias and allegations of bribery against referee who handle the soccer bosses has been a feature. I must say referee Awal Mohammed distinguished himself with last Sunday. At least there were no or minimal complaints for both teams.

Drawing the Curtain on the Bosses
Moving forward there are positives and negatives to be drawn out of the soccer bosses.

• The two teams unequivocally sated in empathic terms why they are the two most glamorous clubs in Ghana. At least if you had any doubts about that they gave you an answer. I needed to point out this as a result of the raging debate that ensued during the new GHALCA top 8 as to whether the tournament can do without these two clubs.

• The level of the game was raised a notch higher which hopefully would make the other teams follow in that direction.

• Despite their status, the numbers at the stadium was a result of massive publicity. The lesson here is nothing should be taken for granted and no stone left on turn in our quest to move the fans to fill the various stadium.

• Refereeing was good, even though it is in the remit of the referee review committee of the Ghana Football Association. But I can express an opinion. Abi?

On the lows:
• The many chances gone begging does not show signs of progress in our attacking department. Arguably, this was best assemblage of talents in the local game.

• Security was unsatisfactory. Increased police presence, vigilance, arrest and timely prosecution should deliver results.

Lets us 'converse the Soccer Bosses'. PHOBOFABULOUS! !