Asante Kotoko are closing in on’ signing Cameroonian attacker, Alain Thierry Akono. Reports gathered claims the striker who was a revelation for AS Fortuna of Mfou is reportedly going to replace Frank Etouga Mbella who is reportedly negotiating with other clubs outside Ghana.
The striking prowess of Alain Thierry saw him chipping in 10 goals in 14 games during final season in the Cameroonian top-flight league.
Scorer of 10 goals in 14 games during his final season in Cameroon Akono is a speedy forward who can operate in all attacking roles.
But who is this man Kotoko are rumoured to be willing to offer a two-year contract to?
Here is all the information we assume to be true about him. He was conceived and born in Yaounde which is the capital for the production of top footballers especially strikers in Cameroon. Roger Milla, Omam Biyik Francois, Patrick Suffo all flourished in Yaounde.
At the age of 23, Akono joined Cameroon top-flight side AS Fortuna after exploits in Equatorial Guinea and Congo Republic. In two years with the club, he was their best dribbler and scorer. His goals in his final season helped his side move from the edge of the relegation zone to the top of the table after a run of 11 games without defeat.
Thierry Akono Akono in action for AS Fortuna
In his first full season with Fortuna (2019/2020), Akono finished as his clubs top scorer with 10 goals, but set a club record for most goals scored by a player for the club in the topflight and was the league’s most efficient striker though Leon Boyomo PWD won the golden boot. In all of this he was always informing his close relations before every match he wants to score and delivered.
In September 2020, Tanzania club Azam SC became interested Akono after watching him during a friendly against DR Congo in which he scored one goal – which turned out to be the winner. On the advice of Cotonsport and Azam SC legend Kingue Njoh Mpondo they signed him.
Official:Thierry Akono Akono joins Azam FC on a two-year-deal in September 2020
He was linked with a move to current Tanzanian champions Yanga SC before he opted to join rivals Azam.
The move to Tanzania prompted the then coach of Cameroon’s intermediate team to summon a meeting to caution the rest players from leaving for abroad on the eve of the CHAN. He went as far as saying he will stop any player who moves abroad before the competition from ever representing Cameroon in future.
Unfortunately Akono spent just a few months at the club before they cashed in from Malaysian side Negri Sembilan FC who needed his goals too.
During the 2020-2021 season Akono scored 12 goals and provided four assist for Sembi and was one of the lead scorers at the end of the Malaysian championship.
He left in February, this year of the next season to join Moroccan side Chabab Club on a one season deal.
He played for Cameroon’s Under-20 and Intermediate teams. He scored for both.
Thierry Akono Akono in the intermediate Lions of Cameroon den
He has had stints in Equatorial Guinea on the books of Leon Vegitarious and in Congo Republic.
During his time in Equatorial Guinea attempts were made to switch his nationality but he opted for otherwise.
Akono is no stranger to the life of playing abroad. He has played in five countries viz; Equatorial Guinea, Congo Republic, Tanzania, Malaysia and Morocco.
Cotonsport also attempted to sign him during the 2020 summer window.
Technical knowhow:
Akono is very fast forward whose speed and dribbling skills constitute his biggest quality.
He can play as a left and right winger to good effect and can also lead the attack or play as a supportive striker.
He speaks a bit of English; just enough to allow him settle into a working environment that prodiminantly uses English.
Note: This story was initially written by Angu Lesley of kick442.com-Cameroon and reproduced by Ghanasportspage.com as an official partner.
Watch Akono Akono’s highlights below:
