Asante Kotoko and Bechem United battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw on match-day seven of the 2023/24 Ghana Premier League (GPL) at the Baba Yara Stadium.
The Porcupine Warriors initially took an early lead, but Augustine Okrah’s Bechem United found the equalizer, resulting in a closely contested match that concluded at 1-1.
Line-ups:
Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum, seeking to return to winning ways after a 2-2 draw against Nations FC, made two changes in his lineup, including the inclusion of Steven Mukwala and Nicholas Osei Bonsu.
📝 Team News
Ogum makes two changes to his starting line-up.
➡️ Nicholas Osei Bonsu makes his first start of the season replacing Nana Benyin at left back.
➡️ Steven Dese Mukwala earns a start in the attacking frontline, slotting in for Georges Mfegue who misses today’s game… pic.twitter.com/P1GJ0TBFPY
— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) October 29, 2023
Bechem United’s start list featured Seth Kwadwo, Emmanuel Avornyo, and the prominent Augustine Okrah.
📢 | TEAM NEWS: #KotokoBechem 📝 #betPawaPremierLeagueWK7 |
⏺️ Coach BKM makes two changes to the previous line-up.
⏺️ Seth Kwadwo captains the team again this afternoon in the absence of Francis Twene, who misses the game due to fitness. pic.twitter.com/gfiEOIutIY
— Bechem United FC (@BechemUnitedFC) October 29, 2023
Young winger Peter Acquah opened the scoring for Kotoko in the 10th minute, capitalizing on a quick start by Richmond Lamptey from an awarded free-kick. Acquah elegantly evaded his marker and unleashed a left-footed strike that found the back of the net.
While leading 1-0, the hosts dominated the game and came close to doubling their lead but lacked efficiency in front of the Bechem goal.
The visitors had an opportunity to equalize just before halftime when, in additional minutes, Emmanuel Annor went one-on-one with Danlad Ibrahim. However, the winger’s shot was too straight, hitting the goalkeeper despite having ample space around the shot-stopper.
In the second half, Bechem seized their opportunity, and Augustine Okrah leveled the scores in the 54th minute with a splendid header. Emmanuel Avornyo made a skillful run past two Kotoko players on the left and delivered an exquisite cross, which Okrah met with a powerful header.
Kotoko, eager for a win, probed but squandered their chances, with Aziz Haruna in goal for the Hunters proving solid on several occasions.
The draw means Asante Kotoko remains unbeaten in their last five games but is now three points off the top spot after the Sunday draw. For Bechem United, this marks their third draw of the 2023/24 league season. They are set to host Great Olympics on match day eight in midweek, while Kotoko will travel to Nsoatreman for their next league game.
Watch match highlights:
Asante Kotoko 1 : 1 Bechem United | Highlights | betPawa Premier Leaguehttps://t.co/9GqpXW6WbV
Catch more #betPawaPremierLeague action on ST Adepa Channel 247 & StarTimes ON App 📲#GPL #StarTimes #Ghana #GPLonStarTimes #GPLwk7 #betPawaGPLwk7 #AKSC #BUFC #Bechem
— StarTimes Ghana (@startimesghana) October 29, 2023
