Asante Kotoko head coach Charles Kwablan Akunnor was left impressed by Fatawu Safiu display in their CAF Confederation Cup victory over Kariobangi Sharks at the Baba Yara Stadium on Saturday.
The 24-year-old joined the Porcupine Warriors ahead of their Africa campaign, however, he was left out of the final squad that travelled to Nairobi last weekend after failing to impress coach Akunnor in training.
But the former Inter Allies player repaid his coach's faith after the scoring the goal for Kotoko sending the teeming Kumasi crowd at the stadium into ecstasy mood after fetching the opener for the side in the 18th minute of the match.
Kotoko went on to win the game 2-1 to progress to the play-offs round of CAF second-tier competition.
Speaking after the game, the former Hearts of Oak and AshantiGold SC gaffer lavished praises at the forward after his splendid performance.
“Yes, I was impressed with the way he played. A week ago when we were going to Kenya I was not happy (with him). I came back and sat him down and told him he is going to play this time and this is what I wanted him to do and I must see it from training,” coach Akunnor said.
“There was a friendly match on Wednesday and he did very well and so he gave me the chance to play him and I think today he did well and scored a fantastic goal when we needed it,” the former Ghana international added.