Kotoko coach Prosper Narteh blames fatigue for Young Apostles draw

Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Narteh has admitted that his team is beginning to feel the toll of consecutive long trips but emphasised that these challenges are part of the journey toward winning the league.

The Porcupine Warriors were held to a goalless draw by Young Apostles in Wenchi, a result that marked their second consecutive match without a win in the Ghana Premier League.

This draw followed a grueling 14-hour round trip to Samreboi to face defending champions Samartex 1996.

”I told them If you want to be a contender some of these things, mentally you try to deal with them. Travelling from Kumasi to Samreboi we spent per hour distance per the time we went there.,” Ogum said at the post match conference.

”We spent 7 hours in 7 hours out and then travelled about another 4 hours to this place so it’s tiring though but then I have told them to rest alone and they need to deal with mentally, psychologically.”

Despite the challenging conditions, Ogum was pleased to have secured at least a point in each game.

”If you want to be a title contender some of these things when they happen you try to overcome them mentally and then get yourself ready,” he added.

Asante Kotoko and Young Apostles shared the spoils at the Wenchi Stadium

“So it’s a factor but the most important thing is that we didn’t lose, we got a point and we have to refocus and move.”

Kotoko are set for a less demanding run with three consecutive home games.

They will face Berekum Chelsea in the league on March 23, followed by an FA Cup tie against True Democracy at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on March 29, before taking on Holy Stars in the league on April 4.

The Porcupine Warriors are second in the league standings with 39 points, just one behind league leaders Bibiani Gold Stars.