After his team’s 2-1 defeat to Asante Kotoko at the Nsenkyire Sports complex in Samreboi, Samartex coach Annor Walker attributed the loss to his team’s excessive respect towards their opponents while playing at home. This marked the first competitive meeting between the two sides at the complex, and there was a large turnout of spectators.
Despite a consolation goal from Ebenezer Ackabhi, Samartex were unable to overcome Kotoko, who secured a 2-1 victory with first-half goals from Enoch Morrison and Rocky Dwamena.
During the post-game conference, Walker acknowledged that his team’s excessive respect towards Kotoko had contributed to their defeat. He noticed that they had given Kotoko too much respect, and because of Kotoko’s approach to the game, he had told his bench that they would try to get an early goal to cushion themselves and take control of the game. Walker also acknowledged that his defenders had made it easy for Kotoko to score the two goals.
“During the course of the game, I noticed we gave Kotoko too much respect and due to the mentality at which Kotoko approached the game, I told my bench they (Kotoko) will try to get an early goal to cushion them and make sure they get to the driving seat because they know if the game should travel at length, things will be difficult for them.
“My defenders also made it easy for them to score the 2 goals but in total, I think we overly showed Kotoko too much respect,” Walker said.
Samartex have dropped from the 8th position to the 9th with 30 points after 22 games.
