GHPL: Kotoko pip Cities to record first win of the season

Asante Kotoko beat Legon Cities by a solitary strike on Friday night at the Accra Sports Stadium on matchday five of the Ghana Premier League.

Kotoko started the game better than the visitors and was duly rewarded after just 10 minutes when Osman Ibrahim reacted to a quickly taken corner kick, to poke him the opener and the game’s only goal.

The corner kick was awarded after Emmanuel Keyekeh forced a brilliant save from Fatau Dauda with a pile driver.

Kotoko came close to doubling their lead but Poku scuffed his chance from three yards after Dauda parried Godred Asiamah’s cross. Legon Cities threatened to restore parity on the cusp of halftime when David Cudjoe broke free with a fantastic solo-run to find Raphael Ocloo. But the forward shot feebly into the awaiting arms of Kotoko goalkeeper, Kwame Baah.

Back from recess, the visitors pressed for the leveler but once again, Raphael Ocloo missed a guilt-edge chance from three yards.

With 30 minutes remaining, Legon Cities Coach, Bashir Hayford, brought on Ghana’s record goal-scorer Asamoah Gyan. The legendary poacher was largely kept at bay and could not do much beyond a harmless free-kick from 30 yards in the 75th minute.

At the other end of the pitch, Emmanuel Gyamfi missed a one-versus-one with just seven minutes to go. The chance followed a neat pass from Muniru Sule – who had come on for Emmanuel Keyekeh – but with the goalkeeper at his mercy, Gyamfi shot straight at Fatau Dauda.

The result takes Kotoko’s points tally to five and moves them temporarily to 4th spot on the league table and with two outstanding games. However, the defeat deepens Cities’ woes as they have now failed to win in five league games and have failed to score from open play in that time.

The match may well be Asante Kotoko’s final home game at the Accra Sports Stadium even though they are yet to get clearance from the Club Licensing Board, to use the Aliu Mahama Stadium as their home venue.

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