After a thrilling 1-1 draw against Asante Kotoko in their matchweek 3 encounter at the Len Clay Stadium, Young Apostles head coach Asare Bediako expressed immense pride in his team’s performance, describing the result as feeling like a victory for his young squad.
The match saw Emmanuel Antwi equalize in the second half, canceling out Daniel Lomotey’s first-half goal, and showcasing the determination and resilience of Young Apostles.
Reflecting on the game, Bediako shared his excitement about the outcome, stating, “Young Apostles is a young team, and that is why I was excited about drawing with Asante Kotoko. It felt like a win for us. We studied them before the game and prepared our players mentally, so I believe we deserved more than just a point.” His remarks highlighted the tactical preparations that the team undertook, which ultimately paid off in a hard-fought battle.
Bediako’s post-match comments also drew attention to the significance of local talent in Ghanaian football, particularly in relation to Asante Kotoko. “Yes, I said Kumasi needs Kumasi. It is not only about coaches but also players,” he stated, emphasizing that a strong local presence is vital for the success of the club. He noted that “we had northerners who were born in Kumasi and raised in Kumasi who played and coached Kotoko very well,” underlining the importance of nurturing talent from the area.
He further suggested that a minimum of four regular players from Kumasi should be part of the Kotoko squad, indicating that local players excel throughout the Ghana Premier League. “I’m not saying those outside Kumasi are not good. Players from Kumasi are performing very well all over the league,” Bediako remarked.
While his comments could be interpreted as a hint toward an ambition for the Kotoko coaching position, Bediako clarified his intentions. “The point I was making was not about coaches per se. I’m not saying I want to coach Kotoko, but I can coach Kotoko and be successful,” he asserted, showcasing his confidence in his coaching abilities.
