Sensational forward, Samuel Awatsonya ensured his side, Kings Palace Fc clinch their first victory at the maiden edition of the Elite Eastern Cup by 3-1 against BS Pelicans at the Kibi Astro Turf on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.
The 21-year-old who played full throttle against division two side BS Pelicans in the first match of the Elite Cup, scored his first goal in the 32’. He connected to a nice cross from left back Courage Gbeve to give Kings Palace a cushion (2-0), after general captain, Paul Yanney had scored the first goal in the 1’ of the tensed game.
The disciplined player helped in giving Kings Palace a firm midfield that hindered the opponents a chance to pull one back till recess. Back from the break however, his effort to dispossess an attack rather caused a penalty for the opponents, who pulled 1 back from the spot.
With some few changes made and Courage suffering a red card from the first half, Sammy played dual roles and had to at times defend deep. Bad tackles from BS Pelicans on Mohamed Kabiru and Ebenezer Nkansah, saw two of Pelicans’ players sent off, which gave Kings Palace a numerical advantage.
Awatsonya took over the midfield, distributing balls from left to right, as Albert Asamoah took charge upfront. He then started a build-up from midfield and released a belter in the 79’, which secured the 3-1 comfortable win for the pride of Akwamu lads.
Goalkeepers Michael Binney and Nii Tieko Tagoe, who shared both halves made some notable saves, which kept Kings Palace ahead.
The Elite Eastern Cup, organized by the Eastern Regional Football Association, has 2 groups of four, with 5 division one Clubs, Kings Palace, Koforidua Semper FI, Susubiribi Sc, Okwawu Utd, Kotoku Royals and 3 division 2 clubs that will participate in the MTN Fa Cup; BS Pelicans, Live Now Academy and Storm Academy.
Kings Palace lie top of Group A with 3 points, while Okwawu Utd and Kotoku Royals occupy the 2nd and 3rd spot with 1 point each after their 1 all game in the afternoon. The Akosombo based team, paired in Group A, will next play Kotoku Royals on Friday, September 22 at 3pm, before wrapping the group phase against Okwawu Utd on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 9am.
Awatsonya, who was top scorer for Kings Palace Fc in the previous season, where they finished 4th with 45 points scored 9 goals and 4 assists in 29 league matches.
The strong right footed player scored 2 goals to bring Kings Palace on level pegging in a friendly match against Accra Athletic Club at the Tema Complex Park on Sunday, September 17, 2023. He came on in the second half and restored the parity, after Kings Palace were down by 2 goals in the first half.
On Sunday November 7, 2021, Kings Palace won the maiden Eastern Cup pre-season tournament at the Kibi Asto Turf after 3 wins; (2-1 against Kotoku Royals), (4-1 against Kwaebibirem Utd). (4-2 against Accra Young Wise) and 1 loss; 2-1 to Susubiribi Sc. Awatsonya scored 3 of the 11 total goals scored by Kings Palace then, and a lot is expected from him in the upcoming season.
Source: TalksenseSports