By Yussif Ibrahim
Obuasi (Ash), Oct. 21, GNA – Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s unbeaten run in the 2024/2025 Ghana Premier League season remained intact after defeating Samartex 1996 by a lone goal at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium on Sunday.
The Porcupines who are gradually turning the stadium which they adopted as their home ground ahead of the season into a fortress, scored the only goal which seperated the two sides in the first half.
Former Great Olympics striker, Albert Amoah hit the back of the net on the 31st minute to hand Kotoko their fourth win of the campaign at the expense of the “Timber Merchants”.
The win means Kotoko is just a point behind league leaders, Bibiani Gold Stars with a game in hand.
Asante KotoKo demonstrated a desire to secure all three points in the early stages of the match, keeping the visitors in their own half with series of dangerous incursions.
They maintained their dominance as the game progressed, leaving Samartex to chase the ball in the first 15 minutes.
Despite their dominance, the Porcupines could not convert chances that came their way, leaving their fans to brood over missed opportunities.
They, however, broke the deadlock on the 31st minute through Amoah who connected a cross from the left side of attack.
It was a quick transition from the midfield to Patrick Asiedu who delivered a tailor-measured cross to Amoah who directed the ball beyond goalkeeper Kofi Baah for the first goal.
Gingered by the opener, Asante Kotoko probed for the second as they created several goal scoring opportunities but were denied by Baah who pulled brilliant saves to keep his side in the game.
With five minutes to end the first half, Samartex almost restored parity against the run of play after switching defence into attack, but Fredrick Asare was on hand to deny them the equaliser.
The visitors kept pushing for equaliser before the break but the Kotoko defence kept them at bay until the referee ended proceedings.
With their one goal deficit, Samartex resumed the second half determined to score the next goal.
Felix Kodua pounced on a loose ball after the Kotoko defence failed to deal with an inswinger, but his effort missed target by a whisker
After surviving the early scare, Kotoko launched a swift attack which saw Amoah coming close to doubling the lead for his side, but for a timely intervention by his marker.
The second half was characterised by hard tackles as both teams strived to fetch the next goal which was obviously crucial to the outcome of the match.
A brilliant save by Kofi Baah drew a loud applause from both sets of fans on the 60th minute when Amoah hit a ferocious strike from outside the box.
After 20 minutes of the second half, Kotoko regained their dominance as they kept possession for long periods anytime they had the ball, displaying beautiful passes to the admiration of the home fans.
As the match entered the last ten minutes, the Porcupines decided to protect the one goal advantage by ensuring the visitors saw less of ball as a strategy to while away time.
They succeeded in keeping their lead intact till referee Alphonso Atiapah blew the last whistle of the match.
GNA