Accra, Jan. 24, GNA – Asante Kotoko succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Aduana Stars in a match-day ten played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
A second-half strike by substitute Samuel Bio was enough to secure the spoils for the “Ogyaa” Boys which lifted them into the fifth position with 16 points, whilst Kotoko was denied the opportunity to occupy the top spot, should they have secured all three points.
The game started on a cagey note with both sides trying to capture early dominance.
Aduana Stars striker Yahaya Mohammed had the first chance to open the scoring for the away side in the seventh minute but his drive at goal was feeble as Kotoko goalie Razak Abalora safely gathered.
Kotoko was dealt a huge blow in the early stages of the game after winger Patrick Asmah got injured and was subsequently replaced by Emmanuel Gyamfi.
Kotoko was better in possession but it was Aduana Stars who were more dangerous in attack.
Kotoko’s goalie Abalora was occasionally called into action with some attempts by the Aduana Stars attackers but he kept his composure in goal having produced decent saves.
The closest Kotoko came in the first half was when Fabio Gama’s superbly struck free-kick missed the target narrowly.
The second half started in blistering fashion with both sides on the front foot and looking to take the lead.
Aduana Stars midfielder Ebenezer Aboagye had a glorious opportunity to put the away side in-front but he couldn’t connect from close range.
Fabio Gama on the other hand also came close to giving the Porcupine Warriors the lead but his cheeky effort in the penalty box narrowly missed the target.
Aduana Stars took the lead against the run of play in 73rd minute after substitute Samuel Bio pounced on a loose ball in the Kotoko penalty area and struck the ball into the roof of the net.
Kotoko was stunned by the strike from Samuel Bio as they mounted a relentless attack in search of the equalizer.
But their attacks were unsuccessful as Aduana Stars held on to their solitary goal to secure maximum points.
GNA