Kumasi Asante Kotoko recorded their second victory in the ongoing 2016/2016 Ghana Premier League with through a controversial penalty awarded the host in the 83rd minutes on Wednesday afternoon at the Baba Yara sports stadium.
Kotoko labored until seven minutes from the final whistle when they were awarded the penalty for a tackle on dangerous winger Emmanuel Gyamfi.
Dzravko Lugurusic’s side played dominated the first half but their efforts could not reward them any goal with Bechem United also failing to do enough to torment Kotoko’s defense.
Edwin Tuffour Frimpong was brought into the game for injured Kwame Boahene with Baba Mahama also making his debut as a replacement for Seth Opare who didn’t play to the fans’ satisfaction considering his exploits in the first two games for the red and white lads.
Striker Yakubu Mohammed had to pave way for striker Kwame Boateng as Kotoko pushed further for a goal in the last ten minutes.
Emmanuel Gyamfi was brought down in the 83rd minute after he was fouled by his two opponent defenders who were marking him closely.
Defender Abeiku Ainooson took a brave decision as he stood forward to convert the spot kick magnificently to give the Fabulous lads a one nil victory in the crunch game.
Line-ups:
Kotoko XI: Felix Annan – Abeiku Ainoonson, Ahmed Adams, Frank Sarfo Gyamfi, Awudu Nafiu, Seth Opare/67’ Baba Mahama, Prince Acquah, Kwame Boahene/57’ Edwin Tuffour Frimpong, Emmanuel Gyamfi, Yakubu Mohammed/70’ Kwame Boateng, Ollenu Ashitey
Unused subs:
Eric Donkor, Richard Osei Agyemang, Isaac Quansah, Ernest Sowah
Bechem United XI:
Osei Lawrence – Agyemang Asante, Daniel Egyin, Akwasi Acheampong, Alfred Nelson, Sadiq Haji, Solomon Mensah, Joseph Amoah, Ahmed Toure, Yaw Arnol
Subs: Hamzah Mohammed, Moro Salifu, Cofie Bekoe, Osei Bonsu, Akoto Danso, Nana. Antwi, Isaac Arkon
GPL match day three results at a glance:
Great Olympics 2-2 Elmina Sharks
Goals: [Abel Manomey (*2); Benjamin Tweneboah, Joseph Mensah]
Ebusua Dwarfs 1-1 Hearts of Oak
Goals: [Nicholas Gyan; Patrick Razak]
Berekum Chelsea 2-0 Liberty
Goals: [Seth Larbi Appiah (*2)]
Tema Youth 1-1 AshantiGold
Goals: [Joseph Paintsil; Sahfiu Mumuni]
Medeama 1-1 Inter Allies
Goals: [Bernard Ofori; Isaac Osae]
Aduana Stars 4-0 Bolga All Stars
Goals: [Zakaria Mumuni, Nathaniel Asamoah, Noah Martey, Tanko Mohammed]