Posted by If anyone at the start of the season had told Felix Annan that we should lose his place as Kotoko’s number one goalkeeper, he would argue vehemently, he would do so with the last breath in his body, but the unforeseen has happened. Felix Annan has lost his place to Black Meteors number one Kwame Baah.
Felix Annan started the season as Kotoko’s number one goalkeeper, but he hasn’t featured for the club in the league since gameweek 4’s game against Medeama in Tarkwa. The shot stopper was given permission by the club to have his wedding ceremony after their Premier league clash with Medeama in mid January.
Things have gone side ways for him since he made his return, he has had to settle for a spot on the bench with Kwame Baah who stepped in during his absence is preferred as first choice.
The situation has triggered debates and wrangles across various media platforms and even amongst the fans of the club, but it is clear even to the blind to see why Kwame Baah is starting ahead of Felix Annan. He has rightfully disposed Felix Annan.
Kwame Baah got his chance to start for Kotoko in gameweek 5’s fixture against Ebusua Dwarfs. He has since then not looked back and has featured in every league game for the club. He has justified Maxwell Konadu’s unflinching decision to constantly play him ahead of Felix Annan.
With Kwame Baah in post, Kotoko have kept 6 cleansheets in 10 games as against a single cleansheet in 4 when Felix Annan is in post. The Porcupine warriors have also conceded 5 goals in 10 games with Baah in post, as against 3 goals conceded in just 4 games with Felix Annan in post.
Putting aside these statics that substantiates why Kwame Baah is starting ahead of Felix Annan. Baah’s heroics week in and week out is another reason why he deserves the nod ahead of Felix Annan. It was his splendid and world class saves that won Kotoko all 3 points against Karela in Tarkwa. Again, it was his timely touch to the ball in a 1 vs 1 situation with Bernard Boateng that won Kotoko a point against Elmina Sharks. Not forgetting his outstanding performances against Ashanti Gold, WAFA etc.
Felix Annan though hasn’t entirely been left out at Kotoko, he was given the opportunity to maneuver his way back into the starting team in a Fa Cup fixture against Division One side Asokwa Deportivo, but things on the day didn’t go down well for him as Kotoko surprisingly lost 2-1.
Although Felix Annan hasn’t lost his place as club captain, he has lost his place in the Black Stars team.
Asante Kotoko have given the playing body a two-week break following government’s suspension of the 2019v/2020 football season. Felix Annan will hope he can steal back his place in the first team when the league resumes.