Ghanaian forward Kwame Opoku couldn’t hide his excitement after making a comeback to action and finding the back of the net in CF Montreal’s recent 2-2 draw against New York Red Bulls in the MLS.
Opoku, who was included in the starting lineup at Stade Saputo and played until halftime, expressed his happiness post-game.
“It feels amazing to be back on the field doing what I love,” Opoku said. “There are some things you can’t prepare for in training. Things happen during games, and we love to be dangerous in the box and capitalize on every opportunity we get.”
Despite facing tough conditions, Opoku made a notable impact. “My fitness level isn’t at its peak yet. It was challenging playing in the heat,” he confessed.
Opoku netted his goal just ten minutes after Sunusi Ibrahim, the team’s leading goal-scorer this season, opened the scoring for Montreal in the 11th minute. However, the Red Bulls, who are currently sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference standings, fought back in the second half. Wikelman Carmona pulled one back in the 61st minute, and Julian Hall leveled the score late in the 88th minute.
Opoku commended the team’s medical staff for their support during his injury layoff. “When I was sidelined, the medical team took great care of me. Every time I showed up for training, I used to joke that I wanted to go back home. So, when I scored, I just pointed at them to show my appreciation,” he explained.
CF Montreal is set to clash against the Colorado Rapids in their third match in just eight days this Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver. Opoku believes there is still room for improvement, especially in their defensive performance.
“We need to focus on our defensive shape to protect our lead. We still have areas where we can get better,” he concluded.
