It was the second straight defeat, the second time for the pride of Akwamu lads who badly needed the 3 points to beat the drop in zone 3 on Wednesday, March 30, 2022.
Having lost in the beginning of the season to Susubiribi and to Inter Allies on Match Day 2 and 3 respectively, Krystal Palace who lost 1-0 at home to Inter Allies on week 18, lost by same margin to Akatsi All Stars at the WAFA Park.
It was a game of equals in the first half with little chances created by both sides.
Captain Esmond Nanor came close to scoring twice but over hit the ball in both chances as he held his head in shame in the 15’ and 24’ when the home team had most of the ball, creating their own chances.
Half an hour, a pass from Aboah Kofi Donkor, saw Selorm Klogo pushed down in the penalty box but referee played on. 4 minutes later, a cross found the header of Richard Ajah but was too feeble to threaten the goalkeeper.
The home side kept pushing and got about 7 corner kicks in the process. 5 minutes before the break, Ademu Pato found himself unmarked but his shot was wonderfully parried to corner by Mubarak Zakari.
There were 3 swift changes by Coach Sarpong; Kennedy Tu’Leo, David Asare, and Emmanuel Arthur were all brought in for Esmond Nanor, Richard Tetteh and Selorm Loy-Klogo.
Akatsi All Stars kept on pushing for a goal with little chances for Krystal Palace as their counter Attacks kept breaking. Pato came close again but wide.
Goalkeeper Mubarak Zakari denied many chances created by Akatsi All Stars.
With 15 minutes to play, there was an appeal for handball in the penalty area of Krystal, but referee allowed play to continue.
Emmanuel Danyo and Michael Cobbinah came in for Aboah Kofi Donkor and David Anderson in the dying minutes. In the 84’ a shot by Arthur brought the home goalkeeper into action, pulling a great save. Mohammed Kabiru and few players were fantastic on the day, but it wasn’t enough for the team.
Kekeli Attor finally got that goal and got their fans roaring in the 89’ with a fine shot at the blind side of Mubarak Zakari.
Kennedy Tu-Leo found himself in a perfect position, but his shot was pushed to corner which was later cleared away.
A push to draw parity in additional time, Danyo made good runs but were but out by the Akatsi defense. A header from him found the hands of a defender but assistant referee smiled it off, after a loud appeal.
It was a bad day for Krystal Palace, who have now fallen into the relegation zone again.
Krystal will welcome Uncle T United to the Akotex Park on Sunday, April 3, 2022 for Match Day 20.
