By Yussif Ibrahim
Obuasi (Ash), Oct. 7, GNA – Kumasi Asante Kotoko has climbed to the top of the Ghana Premier League table after a 1:0 win over visiting Accra Lions at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi.
The match week five encounter was one of a tactical battle between two experience coaches who tried to exploit weaknesses in each other’s team, but it coach Prosper Nartey Ogum who won the battle of wits narrowly.
Accra Lions controlled the early exchanges, forcing Fredrick Asare to pull a brilliant save inside five minutes to prevent his side from conceding an early goal.
After containing the initial pressure, Asante Kotoko started making incursions into the half of the visitors with Albert Amoah being their main target.
Having found their rhythm, the Porcupine Warriors kept the goal area of Accra Lions busy as they probed for the all-important first goal of the match.
The youthful visiting side would however not succumb to the incessant pressure as they gallantly cleared their lines anytime they were under attack.
A ferocious by strike Emmanuel Antwi on the 29th minute was acrobatically stopped by goalkeeper Daniel Afful to deny the hosts what could have been a spectacular goal.
Three minutes later, Afful was on hand once again to block a goal-bound ball during a melee in the six-yard box.
Amoah missed what appeared to be the glorious opportunity of the half with one minute to end proceedings when he misdirected a cross over the bar with only the goalkeeper at his mercy.
Kotoko’s efforts to break the deadlock paid off just two minutes into the second half when Amoah found the back of the net following a well-orchestrated build up.
Saaka Dauda sent in a cross from the left, which was flicked over a defender by Abdoelkarem Abdoelrahman, creating a goal-scoring opportunity for Amoah to finish.
With their noses in front, Asante Kotoko captalised on the momentum to press for more goals, but all their attacking threats were dealt with by the backline of the visitors.
Despite occasional attacking threats from Accra Lions, Kotoko remained dominant and looked more likely to score the second goal of the match.
Lions however scored what they thought was the equaliser with five minutes to play, but referee James Taylor ruled it offside to the dismay of the youngsters who complained profusely.
The Porcupines held on to secure their third win of the campaign, propelling them to the zenith of the table.
GNA