Akyem Kotoku Royals’ fate has been sealed as they are officially relegated to the National Division One League after losing 2-0 to Great Olympics on Sunday. The team which qualified for the top-flight for the first time in their history will now return to the second-tier league after only one year in the elite division.
The Wonder Club earned a hard-fought victory with two goals in either half of the game, securing their place in the top-flight for another season. Kotoku Royals, on the other hand, have had a difficult campaign, with their inability to complete their home venue being a significant factor in their relegation.
The Akyem Oda-based side was forced to adopt the Cape Coast as their home venue after failing to complete their home venue. The team also shifted between two home venues, adopting the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu during the latter stages of the season.
Playing away from home may have accounted for their early exit from the top-flight after promises made to the club were unfulfilled. Despite being unbeaten in Dawu, holding out a remarkable 1-1 draw against league leaders Aduana Stars, they were unable to secure enough points to avoid relegation.
Kotoku Royals lie rock-bottom with 23 points from 30 games with four games to spare. Even if the side manages to bag the remaining points, it will not be enough to overtake King Faisal on 36 points from the same number of games. Akyem Kotoku Royals are now officially relegated, with as many as 10 teams fighting to avoid the drop.
For the most part, Kotoku Royals’ performance in the top-flight was lackluster, and their relegation was not entirely surprising. Their inability to complete their home venue was a significant factor, and they will need to address this issue if they hope to return to the top-flight in the future. With the National Division One League now on the horizon, they will need to regroup and re-strategize to ensure a successful campaign next season.