La, Osu draw first leg Homowo Match
The 2025 Homowo match between La Town XI and Osu Town XI ended in a hard-fought 0-0 draw on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the McDan La Town Park.
The match, infused with tradition and community spirit, highlighted the resilience and determination of both teams as they vied for dominance in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
The encounter attracted high-profile personalities including representatives from traditional authorities and Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, the MP for La Dadekotopon. Other notable figures included Mr. Adolf Tetteh Adjei, famously known as ‘Alosman,’ and Eric Akoto, former Togo international and Ghanaian descendant.
Their presence underscored the cultural significance and unity inspired by this annual event.
The match began with an intensity characteristic of the Homowo festival spirit. Both teams exhibited fiery energy, eager to establish superiority soon after class one referee, Joseph Nertey signaled to the start of the game.
A strategic game plan by La Town XI’s coach, Thomas Amoah, proved influential in the team’s defensive stability. His decision to start Osa Reina, an international goalkeeper with experience in Cyprus, was pivotal. Osa’s remarkable reflexes were particularly evident in the first half, where he executed two stunning saves that kept Osu Town XI’s persistent attacks at bay.
Osu Town XI dominated the early stages of the game, with Emmanuel Tackie spearheading their tactics with his pace and fine ball control. Despite early attempts to breach La Town XI’s defense, Osa’s agility kept the hosts in contention and bolstered team morale.
Unfazed by Osu Town XI’s pressure, La Town XI launched several incisive counter-attacks. With Daniel Amuzu orchestrating creatively from midfield, they produced promising opportunities. However, Osu Town XI’s reliable defender, Adjah Sai, consistently thwarted their efforts.
The second half mirrored the first but saw greater dominance and scoring opportunities for La Town XI.
A dramatic moment unfolded in the 60th minute when La Town XI’s forward, Martey Bertrand, skillfully broke past the defense, finding himself one-on-one with the Osu goalkeeper, Richard Quarcoo. His shot, however, hit the woodwork, followed by Richmond Addy’s acrobatic attempt that narrowly missed, leaving the spectators in astonishment.
Despite the absence of goals, the match celebrated athletic skill and communal pride, setting the stage for a highly anticipated return leg in Osu on Friday, September 5, 2025, marking the conclusion of the Homowo festivities.
As the community eagerly anticipates the return match, both La Town XI and Osu Town XI remain confident and focused, aiming for victory and the honour it brings.
The Homowo celebrations continue to symbolize more than just competition, strengthening unity and cultural heritage through the spirit of football.
BY TIMES SPORTS REPORTER
