Michael Akuffu recounts how his "miraculous goal" against Hearts of Oak resurrected a dead man

Michael Akuffu recounts how his “miraculous goal” against Hearts of Oak resurrected a dead man

Former Ghanaian international, Michael Akuffu has shared a fondest memory during his playing time with Asante Kotoko.

Akuffu spent seven seasons with the Porcupine Warriors and was acknowledged as one of the best defensive midfielders in the GPL.

He named his goal in Kotoko’s remarkable 2-1 against Hearts of Oak in 2012 as one of his fondest memories in football.

The former Asec Mimosa enforcer grabbed the headlines in the country’s ‘Super Clash’ 11 years ago with a 30-yard thunderbolt that ensured Asante Kotoko recorded a 2-1 win in the Ghana Premier League.

The hugely attended game looked destined to end in a draw after Mahatma Otoo scored a superb free-kick in injury time to cancel out Kofi Nti Boakye’s opener in the first half.

But the then 26-year-old nicknamed ‘Gaddafi’ because of his unique talent and style of play popped up with a piledriver that sent their supporters into wild jubilation at the packed Baba Yara stadium and he was thrilled with his terrific effort.

Akuffu spoke to Ghanasportspage.com and, when asked about a moment that particularly marked him, the midfielder did not hesitate: “Where Kotoko has taken me to has been a blessing to my life especially scoring against Accra Hearts of Oak in that derby. It helped us to win 2-1.

“Those are the memories I always carry. Sammy Adjei was in the post at that time and what makes it different is that the goal was able to resurrect a man who lost breath that day. I went to shake that man and the feeling was too much. I wasn’t expecting that goal will do miracles.

“After the game, I had a call from Dr. KK Sarpong to meet him. I went there and he was sitting along with some old man. I was introduced to him and the man shook me and said I lost my life but you resurrected me. The goal that I scored made him come back to life because they lost hope when they equalized.

“There was nothing that we could do and the game would have ended in 1-1 but God made something happen. The goal made me popular in Ghana after that day. Thank God I was able to play for the club,” Akuffu told Ghanasportspage.com.

HIGHLIGHTS OF AKUFFU’S SCREEMER AGAINST HEARTS