David Duncan was appointed as Kotoko coach on March 10, 2015 to replace Didi Dramani amidst pomp and pageantry.
However, after 391 days and guiding them to second place in the league and MTN FA Cup, the coach has been asked to step aside.
What are the five talking points from Duncan prior to being asked to step aside.

1.    STALEMATE IN FIRST GAME AGAINST EULMA

Duncan’s first game in charge was a trip away to Algerian side Eulma. His appointment was confirmed a few hours before the team the trip to Algeria and was not even on the bench during the bench. He however oversaw training sessions in Algeria and thus, had a hand in the team selection and tactics.  Kotoko managed to put up a solid defensive display to stop the Algerians from scoring at a point Kotoko were conceding for fun. A good first step for Duncan who immediately got the fans dreaming their season was back on form.

2.    HEARTBREAK IN KUMASI

After clinching their first win in as many games in Bechem, the stage was set for Kotoko to truly confirm they had turned the corner Their guests were Eulma whom they had held to a goalless draw a fortnight ago.  The Porcupines were well on course for victory when Obed Owusu found the net after 40 minutes.  The Algerians unfortunately got the all important away goal after 61 minutes. All attempts to regain the lead for Kotoko provide futile as the Algerians hit them with a knockout punch with a second goal late in the game. Heartbreak for the expectant fans  who had already taken to Duncan and his new look team.

NB: At this point in time, Duncan was the toast of the fans with some buying stickers of the coach as well as well as folding their white long sleeves which they popularly termed as the Duncan effect.However, pressure began to mount on the team after a host of poor results.  The team was largely inconsistent in the second round and had a double header against Ashgold and Hearts.

3.    VITAL VICTORY OVER ASHANTIGOLD

Duncan’s side produced an effective performance to beat runaway leaders Ashantigold at Kumasi. A Dauda Mohammed header settled the tie and in reality, the margin could and should have been bigger. The win calmed the nerves of the fans who felt they had nothing to cheer in an abysmal season.

4.     BIG VICTORY OVER HEARTS

Duncan’s first game as Kotoko coach against Hearts ended in victory for the tactician. His side produced one of the best away performances ever at the Accra Sports Stadium to clinch all three points against his former side. The victory was made sweeter because the team had been robbed in the early hours of the match. Youngster Dauda Mohammed, who until Duncan’s arrival was mainly a bit part player, grabbed a brace to give Kotoko and Duncan a win over the bitterest rivals.

5.    DEFEAT IN FA CUP

After all but losing any chance on retaining the league, Duncan and his charges focused on winning the FA Cup and got as far as the final. However, their dream was not realized when Tom Strand’s Medeama pipped them by 2-1. A Bismark Oppong beauty settled the tie between both sides. Duncan’s quest for a major league or cup title had to wait another season.

NB: The new season was one Kotoko were optimistic of returning to the top of Ghana Football. The team made 14 new signings and were impeccable in preseason winning as many as three titles. However, things did not go according to plan for them getting only five points in six matches. Their only win to date is a slim 1-0 victory over Hasaacas. David Duncan has been asked to step aside.

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