24Hour News Online Truth, Timely and Trusted
Ho, Sept. 27, 24HourNews – Nukunu FC suffered a 2-0 defeat to Division One League heavyweights Golden Kicks FC at the Ho Sports Stadium on Saturday, but left the pitch with heads high and clear positives to build on.
The game, played under a fine atmosphere in Ho, pitted the Ketu South-based young side against one of the most technically gifted teams in the country, fresh from their impressive run to the final of last season’s MTN FA Cup.
Golden Kicks started stronger, keeping possession and probing the Nukunu backline. Their pressure paid off in the first half when they broke the deadlock with a well-worked goal to make it 1-0.
Nukunu FC responded well. Led by their midfield, the team grew in confidence, won second balls, and began to string passes together. They forced Golden Kicks into mistakes and created two decent half-chances before the break, but lacked the cutting edge to equalize.
After recess, Nukunu came out with more intent, pressing higher and pushing fullbacks forward. The tactical shift gave them more control in the middle and they came close to levelling when a quick counter attack saw their striker drag his effort just wide.
Golden Kicks, showing their experience, absorbed the pressure and doubled their lead midway through the second half against the run of play, making it 2-0.
To their credit, Nukunu did not drop heads. They continued to battle, introduced fresh legs from the bench, and kept their shape until the final whistle. Defensively they were much improved compared to previous outings, with the centre-backs winning aerial duels and the goalkeeper making two crucial saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
Technical handlers of Nukunu FC say despite the loss, the performance is a sign of progress.
“Losing 2-0 at Ho Sports Stadium to Golden Kicks is not a disaster. This is a team that played in the FA Cup final a few months ago. Our boys stood up, we were compact, we were disciplined and we created chances. The positives are many, defensive organization, work rate and fighting spirit. What we need now is to be clinical in front of goal,” a member of the technical team said.
He added that the exposure against a top-level side will help the young squad develop quickly.
For Golden Kicks, the win is another statement of intent as they prepare for the new Division One League season, while for Nukunu FC, the focus now shifts to correcting minor errors, improving finishing and turning promising performances into points.
Nukunu FC thanked their supporters who made the trip to Ho and assured them that the team is on the right path, with better results expected in the coming games.