Brampton’s Kwasi Poku Impresses Despite Forge Loss

In a first for Canadian Soccer Forge FC of the Canadian Premier League hosted Liga MX’s Cruz Azul in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League campaign. While Forge FC did eventually succumb to a 1:0 loss at the hands of CONCACAF’s number one seed, the Hamilton side did impress and even matched Cruz Azul in most regards. Despite the loss, Brampton’s Kwasi Poku, still only 19 and playing in his first professional match, put on an impressive display.

Cruz Azul were fortunate in that their goal resulted from a slip by Forge’s goalkeeper Triston Henry. Forge themselves had more opportunities in the first half with Tristan Borges clipping the crossbar with a fierce strike. Kyle Bekker then followed up with a skied opportunity when Borges played him through with a chipped pass.

Brampton’s Kwasi Poku

Kwasi Poku was impressive on the left wing, involved in intricate interplay and multiple attempts to feed both Borges and Terran Campbell. Most impressive about Poku’s performance was that he remained un-phased by the weight and gravity of the event. This was his first professional, top tier match. It was Forge’s first ever CONCACAF Champions League match. Poku was lined up against players on a team that is widely considered to be THE powerhouse in CONCACAF.

For a bit of perspective on what even a 1:0 loss means in terms of Forge’s and Poku’s evolution, consider that:

• the result leaves Forge with a fighting chance as they travel to Mexico to play Cruz Azul at the Azteca (you can watch the return leg on Feb. 24th, 2022 via OneSoccer.ca)
• despite a roster valuation differential in excess of $50 million, yes MILLION, Forge did not look overwhelmed or out of place
• Forge FC have not played a competitive match since November 2021 when they ceded the CPL title to Pacific FC

Highlights and Match Recap