Asante Kotoko

Part of a good goalkeeper’s DNA is keeping calm under pressure. When a goal is under siege, a keeper is the last line of defense.

It is no wonder therefore that Isaac Amoako is a cool customer unfazed by his continuing call-ups to the Black Stars. He is one of five local players in the national team prior to Sunday’s match against Sudan and he says he feels like he belongs.

“I do feel more comfortable because the players are all my colleagues so being among my colleagues is cool and comfortable,” Amoako said on Wednesday after the final practise in Accra before the team leaves for Kumasi.

Cracking jokes at the tail end of practice and daring a line of players taking free-kicks to beat him, the man tipped by some to eventually assume Richard Kingson’s role left no doubt about his comfort.

“That is the spirit of the game,” Amoako added. “There is nothing like they are from outside,” displaying no hint of an inferiority complex.

The match on Sunday represents a homecoming of sorts for the Kumasi Asante Kotoko goal tender.

For good reason, Amoako lists Kumasi as his favorite grounds.  “There is where we play our home games, I mean Asante Kotoko so I feel good because my fans and the supporters are coming to watch so it is all good,” Amoako said.

And in the event that they win on Sunday, what local eatery would he recommend for a celebratory meal? Amoako says he is keeping the secret close to his chest. Like a goalkeeper is supposed to.