Caf CC: Naby Keita’s last-gasp penalty gives Kotoko first-leg lead

Guinean Naby Keita gave Asante Kotoko a dramatic stoppage-time victory over Ivorian side FC San Pedro Monday afternoon.

The 2019/20 Caf Confederation Cup first-leg, originally, scheduled for Sunday, was abandoned halfway due to some heavy downpour at halftime which rendered the Baba Yara Sports Stadium field unplayable.

In accordance with competition rules, the match resumed with the second half and score from the rained off game 0-0.

The Porcupine Warriors entered the game with high hopes of beating the San Pedro.

The Ivorians, however, exhibited a well-rehearsed pattern to ensure that they return to Abidjan with at least a point. They frustrated Kjetil Zachariassen’s charges with well-composed movements of the ball.

A generally disappointing display at the near-empty Baba Yara Sports Stadium saw the game almost ending barren before Ngoran Kouassi hacked down Songnè Yacouba from behind in San Pedro’s penalty area in the 5^th minute of additional time.

South African referee Eugene Mdluli rightly whistled and pointed to the spot for a Kotoko penalty.

And Keita, who had come on for Richard Arthur, stepped up and nicely converted by sending goalkeeper Eliezer Ira Tapé the wrong way.

Referee Mdluli brought proceedings to an end shortly after restart.

Asante Kotoko take a 1-0 first-leg advantage to the reverse scheduled for next Sunday, November 3 at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

The aggregate winner secures a group stage berth in the 2019/20 Caf Confederation Cup.