Kalo Outtara emerged as the savior for Asante Kotoko, entering the match as a substitute and netting a crucial late goal against Accra Lions, securing their inaugural victory of the season.
Asante Kotoko initiated the game with a strong offensive push, and their early endeavors nearly bore fruit when Steven Mukwala attempted a long-range shot. Soon after, Yahaya Baba delivered a free-kick that was securely collected by Accra Lions’ goalkeeper, Daniel Afful.
Accra Lions had an opportunity for a counterattack, as Abass Samari found Bernard Kesse, who then passed to Abdul Shakun. Nevertheless, Kotoko’s defense stood firm against the threat.
Richmond Lamptey tried his luck with a long-distance strike from 35 yards, but Afful made a superb save to deny him.
Just before halftime, there were fervent appeals for a penalty as Kesse’s shot struck the hand of a Kotoko defender inside the box.
Accra Lions made two rapid substitutions after the break, introducing Dominic Amponsah and Baba Apiiga in place of Kesse and David Oduro.
Apiiga had a chance to provide the home team with the lead from a free-kick, but his effort missed the target.
In search of an opening goal, Asante Kotoko brought in Kalo Outtara, replacing Mukwala.
Late in the match, Fredrick Asante was subbed in for Abdul Shakun and had a golden opportunity to secure victory for Accra Lions. However, he couldn’t convert the chance, as Kotoko successfully cleared the ball.
Following a sequence of corner kicks, Asante finally broke the deadlock in the dying moments of the game. Outtara rose high and headed in the decisive goal, securing the win for Asante Kotoko.
