![Prosper Ogum names Asante Kotoko starting XI to face FC Samartex [Saaka Dauda & others OUT]](https://i0.wp.com/ghanasportspage.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/prosper-ogum-names-asante-kotoko.jpg?fit=1280%2C720&ssl=1)
Asante Kotoko head coach, Prosper Narteh Ogum, acknowledged that fatigue was a major factor in his team’s 1-0 home defeat to Heart of Lions in their Ghana Premier League Week 9 clash at the Len Clay Stadium.
The “Giant Killers” lived up to their reputation, securing all three points through Kwadwo Obeng Jr.’s 28th-minute goal after a defensive error from Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Camara. This result marks Kotoko’s second consecutive league loss, leaving them in third place with 15 points, four points behind leaders Bibiani Goldstars.
Ogum, noting that his players appeared unusually slow and worn out, attributed the lackluster performance to the taxing travel schedule. “I think we looked very slow, very tired on the field,” Ogum said post-match. “It’s the stress from the long journeys.
From Kumasi to Anyinase, it’s about nine hours. We played Sunday, then another 10 hours to Accra for Wednesday’s game against Legon Cities, and back to Kumasi after that.
“Ogum added that while he doesn’t like to make excuses, the strain of three matches and extensive travel over seven days was evident in the team’s performance.
Kotoko will look to recover when they face Bechem United at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in their next league outing.
