Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Narteh defended Franck Mbella Etouga after missing two penalty kicks during Aduana Stars game.
The Porcupine Warriors were held to a 1-1 draw in their matchday 28 encounter at the Baba Yara stadium.
Etouga Mbella gave the home side the lead but later missed two penalties with Bright Adjei grabbing the equalizer for Aduana Stars in the dying embers of the game to hand his side a deserving draw at away.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, coach Narteh said, "We were just not lucky. Not all, I didn't want to change him cos he's been playing and scoring our penalties. This isn't the first he is missing a penalty. I think he did that when we went to Elmina Sharks, I spoke with him, he got his confidence back and was scoring but is unfortunate he missed this time."
"He scored a good goal. We could have gone up by three goals but we couldn't. Is game over and we can't do anything about the scoreline, we only have to encourage the young man to get his confidence back so that in subsequent games he can give us what he's been given to us."
Asante Kotoko, who are top of the standings with 56 points, will travel to Obuasi to face regional rivals Ashanti Gold SC in their next Premier League game.