Kotoko Chief Sarpong Takes Full Blame For Porcupines’ Champions League Elimination

Posted On Monday, 8th April 2013

Asante Kotoko charman Dr K.K Sarpong

Asante Kotoko charman Dr K.K Sarpong

Asante Kotoko chairman Dr K.K Sarpong has accepted full responsibility for the side’s exit from the CAF Champions League.

The Ghanaian champions crashed out of the tournament to Algerian club JSM Bejaia on the away-goals-rule after playing out a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

Kotoko were overwhelming favourites ahead of the second leg clash of the 1/16 stage tie played in Kumasi.

This was after the Porcupine Warriors had secured a goalless draw in the first leg match in Algeria.

Coach Mas-Ud Dramani’s side however failed to build on a slim 1-0 lead by halftime to surrender to a late equalizer from the Algerians that effectively ended their campaign in Africa.

Supporters vented their disappointment by booing the team and officials as they made their way from the stadium after the game.

Club chairman, Dr. Sarpong, in his first interview since Sunday’s elimination has apologized to the supporters and followers of the side but says he takes full blame for the team’s slump in the Champions League.

“Before the game I made an appeal to the fans to come in their numbers to support the team and indeed they did come in their numbers and we thank them for that,” he told Kumasi-based Angel FM.

“However things did not go the way we all expected and in the end we had to exit from the competition which is a very worrying situation.

“I want to first of all apologize to the supporters for raising their hopes and not making them happy.

“As the leader of the team I take absolute responsibility for this massive disappointment.

“Whatever happens, I take responsibility for it, total responsibility.

“I am not going to blame the coach, I am not going to blame the players, I am not going to blame management or the board, I blame myself for not being able to lead the team to victory.”

The fans however apart from blaming the club chairman have directed most of their blame to coach Mas-Ud Dramani.

Many have criticized his tactical prowess especially with his decision to drop experienced Michael Helegbe to the bench for the crucial game.