Asante Kotoko head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum is hugely impressed with the performance of Justice Blay in their premier league match day 23 game against city rivals King Faisal on Sunday afternoon.
Asante Kototo stretched their lead on the league log to 10 points ahead of second place Aduana Stars after beating King Faisal by a lone goal, thanks to Imoro Ibrahim’s fine free kick following resulting foul from King Faisal goalkeeper Frank Boateng’s gift of a pass that fell the way of Gama.
Coach Prosper Ogum had to improvise at the centre back as injury and suspension had ruled out his regular central defenders out of the game against King Faisal. He played some players out of natural position, typical of those improvisation was midfielder Justice Blay who played in the game as a centre back for the Porcupine Warriors.
The output of justice Blay in the game showed glimpses of future competition he might put forward with the regular centre backs, and coach Ogum is absolutely impressed with his output, describing him as a ”multi functional player”.
“It’s a clear indication that Blay is a multi functional player; he can play in several positions as a centre back, as a defensive midfielder and as offensive midfielder. So he gives me options on the field like that of Mudasiru [Salifu] and Sherif [Mohammed] – these players also give me options in the middle of the park”, coach Ogum said after the game, speaking to StarTimes.
Justice Blay, who is in his second spell at Asante Kotoko, has not been the Blay who won the heart of the Asante Kotoko fans with impressive performances since his return to the club in the middle of this season, but his exploits against King Faisal especially having played in an unfamiliar position and produce such a performance has earned him some praises from the coach.
“I’m happy for him. He’s not had a good time since joining us probably coming in late and he’s yet to pick it to the game model, but then today playing him as a centre back having the confidence in him and him proving himself that he is capable of doing it, I’m happy for him and I’m happy for the team too”, Ogum added.
