Medeama Coach Ibrahim Tanko: “We Should’ve Had a Penalty

Ibrahim Tanko, head coach of Medeama Sporting Club, has expressed sharp frustration following what he describes as an obvious penalty that was not awarded in his team’s recent match against Bechem United. According to Tanko, a first-half incident involving Medeama forward Kelvin Nkrumah should have resulted in a spot kick, and he believes that decision could have changed the outcome of the game.

Tanko told reporters that in the incident, Nkrumah went in to collect a loose ball after a shot that Bechem United’s goalkeeper had failed to handle cleanly. He said that the goalkeeper’s contact on the striker was enough to warrant a penalty, but the referee declined to blow the whistle. The coach maintained that this was not a subjective opinion but a clear breach of the rules.

He continued to explain that the failure to award the penalty was a pivotal moment in the match. “That moment cost us,” he said. “It could have given us control and momentum.” Despite his disappointment, Tanko also noted that his players responded well after the incident. He commended them for their composure, their willingness to press and for creating several good chances in the second half.

Nonetheless, Medeama missed multiple opportunities to convert. Tanko warned that in tight games, finishing remains a core challenge for his side. For him, the referees’ decision only heightens the importance of clinical execution in front of goal.

The draw leaves Medeama under more pressure. As Tanko spoke, his team has dropped points that they believed could have put them in a stronger league position. He insisted that such missed decisions can have cumulative effects on morale and momentum, especially during a competitive season.

Tanko also appealed for better officiating and accountability. He called on referee committees to review their performance, especially in crucial matches where small decisions can swing results. He argued that fair enforcement of the rules is essential if the league is to maintain credibility and fairness.

Supporters of Medeama have rallied behind the coach’s comments. Fans on social media echoed his call for a review, while some former players noted that match officials must be more rigorous in high stakes situations. Many applauded Tanko for speaking out strongly rather than accepting the decision passively.

Analysts have weighed in too. Some agree that the incident looked, on replay, like a strong case for a penalty. Others caution that human error is inevitable in refereeing, and that teams must find ways to adapt rather than rely solely on favorable decisions. Yet many suggested that the Ghana Football Association and league organizers should invest more in referee training and use video technology to reduce such controversies.

Tanko confirmed that he will not shy away from speaking about the issue again but stressed that his long-term focus remains on development. He pledged to work even harder with his players to improve their attacking play, maximize scoring chances, and reduce reliance on decisions that may or may not go their way.

He summed up his message with a tone that was both firm and hopeful: “We did what we could. But there are moments in football that matter more than 90 minutes. We will keep building. We will keep fighting. And we will not stop dreaming.”