A sensational late strike by Eric Gyamfi was all Kumasi Asante Kotoko needed to seal their third straight win against a very well-disciplined and tactical Elmina Sharks at the Baba Yara Stadium in Ghana Premier League.
Coach Kobina Ammisah proved resolute and too tactical for the Porcupine Warriors for most periods of the epic encounter but his side was unable to hold to the blast of the final whistle allowing Eric Gyamfi to slot in the winner in the 95th minute.
Kotoko were dominant in the first period. They had several chances, but failed to convert any. Yakubu Mohammed – who scored in Kotoko’s match against Ashgold – was the worst culprit missing glorious opportunities.
Kotoko were very dominant in the opening minutes of the match with enterprising winger, Frank Sarfo Gyamfi, failing to connect a header from a good cross by Emmanuel Gyamfi.
Elmina Sharks, albeit, had a rare chance at goal. Joseph Mensah’s shot at goal was deflected. Kotoko showed more intent in the second half piling on more pressure on the visitors. Yakubu came close a couple of times as well as Baba Mahama.
By the 80th minute, Coach Zdravko Lugarusic had exhausted all substitutions with Kwame Boateng, Isaac Quansah and Abass Mohammed brought on for Sarfo Gyamfi, Baba Mahama and Eric Donkor respectively. At this stage the fans appeared to have had enough and were filing out of the stadium. And just as they were leaving, Emmanuel Gyamfi scored.
Aduana Stars continued their impressive form in the league by beating Accra Hearts of Oak at the Ageyman Badu Stadium in Dormaa. The Phobians went into the game having drawn three and won one of the first four games of the season while Aduana were anchored with three wins and a draw- the best so far by a team in the GPL.
Two goals form Daniel Darkwa and Derrick Sassraku in the first half sealed the much needed from the former champions against a very enterprising Accra Hearts of Oak side led by their new Coach, Frank Nuttal.
The second half saw the Phobians starting with a lot of energy and fire to put the game in grasp but tried as they did the home side stood resolute and strong to any threats from the Phobians. Striker, Cosmos Dauda, was given the last opportunity in the 80th minute to put his team in a fighting position but his effort was too weak.
The defeat was the first the Phobians had suffered this season with the win giving Aduana who are leading the pack their fourth victories of the campaign.
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