Asante Kotoko accounted for Medeama SC with a 1-0 scoreline at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on match-day 14 of the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League (GPL).
The win keeps the Porcupine Warriors top of the league, having bagged their ninth victory of the season.
Cameroonian Georges Mfegue’s goal late on in the second half was enough for Kotoko who put in a dominant performance but had Ivorian goalkeeper Boris Mandjui Junior denying them severally with superb saves.
An exciting game, filled with lots of end-to-end action and quality on the flanks from both sides but the main men were goalkeepers Ibrahim Danlad and Medeama’s Boris Junior.
Kotoko began the game eager for the lead and captain Ismail Ganiyu made a long effort from a free-kick but it missed the post by a few inches.
Later, Richmond Lamptey and Mfegue came close to getting the opener but Boris came to the rescue of Medeama.
Minutes to end the first half, Medeama began threatening in attack as Kwasi Donsu’s exquisite volley was brilliantly parried away by Kotoko goalie Danlad Ibrahim.
After the break, the Reds continued pressuring the Yellow and Mauves from the flanks through Ibrahim Imoro’s daring runs and lots of counter-pressing in midfield.
But they could not go past Boris who was a delight on the afternoon.
The deadlock was finally broken when Mfegue stole the ball off Samuel Frimpong and proceeded to strike to the low left corner of the Medeama post in the 78th minute.
Kotoko kept on with their game plan and were awarded a penalty in the dying embers of the game after Richmond Lamptey was fouled by Ali Quattara.
But Mfegue, on penalty kick duties, failed to net a brace in the game. His effort from the spot was punched away by the Medeama keeper.
The Porcupines held on to win, extending their lead to six points ahead of Aduana Stars who play Dreams on Monday.
Asante Kotoko will host Great Olympics on match-week 15 while Medeama return to Tarkwa, awaiting Elmina Sharks.
