Asante Kotoko recorded a 1-0 victory over Inter Allies on Sunday in match day 2 of the Ghana Premier League.
Forward Obed Owusu headed home a brilliant cross from winger Emmanuel Gaymfi to ensure Kotoko smashed a narrow 1-0 win over the Eleven is to one side in the crucial clash.
Inter Allies had a good opportunity to unsettle the defensive pair of Wahab Adams and Nafiu Awudu when striker Victorien Adebayor missed what could have earned the visitors their lead in the 18th minute.
Adebayor nearly punished Kotoko in the 24th minute but thanks to Felix Annan wonderful save to deny the visitors the lead on the day.
Jordan Opoku knocked Inter Allies Goal keeper Kwame Baah’s door with a fine 33rd minute free kick but saw his kick excellently saved by Baah who was busy throughout the game.
Sarfo Gyamfi was flashed with first yellow card on the 42nd minute after fouling Paul Abanga.
Inter Allies despite not creating any serious chances managed to contain Kotoko’s heat to end the first half barren.
Samuel Armah had to make way for Nsungusi Jnr. Effiong back from recess for the away side after a different game plan in the second half.
The Porcupine Warriors looked more purposeful upfront with Emmanuel Gyamfi and Sarfo Gyamfi tormenting Inter Allies defence.
Obed Owusu finally headed in a fine cross from winger Emmanuel Gyamfi to give Kotoko the lead just five minutes after break.
Inter Allies quickly looked very dangerous with their pressing possession but substitute Nsungusi Effiong missed two glorious chances within three minutes to deny his side an equalizer.
Coach Kenichi had to make his first substitution with Joseph Baffour Gyawu coming on for Richmond Lamptey as well as Hamzah Abdul Nasiru making way for Dan Amnfo.
Coach Paa Kwesi Fabian in his attempt to score introduced striker Mawuli Osei into the game to replace Yakubu Mohammed who netted Kotoko’s only goal in their 1-1- away draw against WAFA last week.
Coach Fabian had to make a quick two substitution with Austine Sefah coming on for injured captain Amos Frimpng and midfielder Seth Opare replacing the goal scorer Obed Owusu.
Goal keeper Felix Annan again had a superb performance with some four great saves.
His appreciable display won him the NASCO Match of the Match Award.
Kotoko Starting XI
Felix Annan, Amos Frimpong [C], Daniel Darkwah, Wahab Adams, Nafiu Awudu, Jackson Owusu, Jordan Opoku, Emmanuel Gyamfi, Frank Sarfo Gyamfi, Obed Owusu, Yakubu Mohammed
Subs:
Michael Abu, Emmanuel Osei Kwame, Edwin Tuffour, Eric Donkor, Michael Yeboah, Akwasi Nti, Kwame Boahene, Prince Acquah, Douglas Owusu Ansah, Isaac Amponsah, Sadick Adams, Frederick Boateng.
Coach: Samuel Fabian
Inter Allies starting XI
Kwame Baah, Fard Ibrahim, Musah Hashmin, Hamzah Abdul Nasiru, Ricmond Lamptey, Mohammed Zakari, Victorien Adebayor, Samuel, DAVID Ekele, Michael Otou, Paul Abanga, Samuel Armah.
Subs:
Saed Salifu Issahaku Zakari, Samuel Bekoe, Nsungusi Jnr. Effiong, Dan Amanfo, Joseph Baah Gyawu, Richard Kwabena Antwi,
Coach: Kenichi Yatsuhashi
