2019 didn’t see plenty of football action because the game was still under Normalisation following the Anas expose that unravelled corruption in Ghana football.
Asante Kotoko’s participation in the Confederation Cup, the CAF Champions League, the Normalisation Committee Special Cup Tier 1 and 2 and the WAFU Championship were the games that gave footballers on the local scene the opportunity to showcase their talents.
Those who put standout performance among their peers are as follows:
Diawisie Tailor
The Karela United striker emerged as one of the new names that were making headlines week in week out on the local scene this year due to his fantastic goal scoring feat during the Normalisation Committee’s Special Cup Tier 1.
Diawisie Tailor registered 10 goals and finished as joint top scorer with Abdul Fatawu Shafiu
Prior to the match, Diawisie Taylor looked on course to win the individual accolade having scored a goal more than Abdul Fatawu Safiu, but Fatawu scored in the final to go tie with the Karela FC striker.
Abdul Fatawu Shafiu
He was the toast of Asante Kotoko fans. Signed fromEleven Wonders to Asante Kotoko and he became an instant hit in the shirt of the Kumasi giants.
Abdul Fatwau Shafiu was the joint top scorer in the 2019 Normalisation Committee Special Competition Tier 1, bagging 10 goals in the process including the final against Karela United.
Felix Annan
Felix Annan was instrumental for Asante Kotoko in their success story. He was the safest pair of hands on the local scene and his presence in post saved Asante Kotoko on numerous occasions.
He played a key role as Asante Kotoko reached the group stage of the 2019 CAF Confederation Cup and also provided leadership for the Kumasi giants as they won the Normalisation Committee tier 1 competition. His performance earned him a Black Stars call-up.
Shafiu Mumuni
He captained Ashanti Gold as they won the Normalisation Committee tier 2 Cup edging Asante Kotoko winner of the tier 2 en route to the final.
He continued his splendid form when he bagged seven goals to win the goal king as Ghana reached the final of the 2019 WAFU Championship, which was a competition for domestic players in the West Africa zone B.
Shafiu also four goals during Ashanti Gold’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
Kwame Bonsu
The former Asante Kotoko midfielder who now plies his trade with Tunisian side was a delight to watch in the middle of the park.
He sold out consistent performance for the Porcupine Warriors, especially during their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
His ball control and vision in midfield gave local fans something to relish.
Joseph Esso
He had a slow start to his career at Hearts of Oak, but he has hit top gear. Esso in 2019 has become fans favourite at Hearts of Oak with work rate and potency in front of goal.
His impressive form earned him a call-up to the Back Stars B and managed to get a place in the starting line-up of Maxwell Konadu’s team during the WAFU Championship.
