Real Tamale United played out a 1-1 draw with Second Division side Sankara Nationals at the Tamasco Park, on Saturday in their penultimate pre-season friendly.
Despite being without the likes of Kojo Poku, Bawa Samuel, Mathew Boakye, Mark Tonto, Martin Akolgu, Coach Ibrahim Shaibu Tanko’s men appeared to have enough talent in the squad to take care of the Yendi based side.
However, a valiant effort from the away side in the second half ensured they share the spoils with the Pride of the North.
The second half witnessed a slew of substitutions from each side, but the same pattern of play remained, as RTU created some decent chances but failed to convert them.
Without Kojo Poku, Mathew Boakye and with Sadat Mohammed on the bench in the Real Tamale United squad for the game, the pressure was on Gadafi to turn into the top provider in midfield.
Although he did combine well with Kushibo and Fuseini Mustapha on a few occasions in the first half, the former Gbewaa FC man was unable to make an imprint with assist.
Though the Mustapha scored a spectacular free kick to give the home side the lead, he had a quite afternoon. The good news however for RTU is that midfield Dynamo Sadat Mohammed is gradually gaining fitness after a long lay off due to injury. He was introduced in the second half as the technical team take precautions on his return to full fitness.
Although the result means nothing to the either side as both teams continue their preparations for the new season, it will boost the confidence of Sankara National given they were playing against a side that’s yet to test defeat in pre-season friendlies.
The 2020-21 National Division One League is expected to start next week across the country with Real Tamale United drawing a bye in week one of the league fixtures.
By: Sey Mubarick
