Young Apostles coach Abu Hanan refuses to judge controversial penalty decision in defeat to Asante Kotoko

Young Apostles head coach Abu Hanan declined to criticise the referee after his side fell to a dramatic 2–1 defeat to Asante Kotoko, who secured victory through a contentious stoppage-time penalty.

Hanan addressed the incident carefully, noting that his technical area vantage point made it difficult to assess the challenge.

"That’s football. In football, decisions are made. And when decisions are made, we are sitting far away. We cannot judge. The referee is the final judge because I could see that there was a little grab," Hanan said after the game.

"So if there is a little grab, we leave it to the referee. It is at his discretion whether he gives a penalty or lets it go."

Kotoko broke the deadlock six minutes into the second half when Hubert Gyau struck a superb effort to give the hosts a deserved lead.

Young Apostles responded quickly, with Richmond Opoku rising to head in a well-worked equaliser three minutes later.

Kotoko continued to apply pressure and created the better chances as the match entered its closing stages.

Their persistence paid off deep into added time. Captain Samba O’Neil converted a late penalty.

The victory moves Kotoko to fourth on the league table with 19 points.

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