Asante Kotoko suffered a 0-1 defeat to Dreams FC on match-week 9 of this season’s Ghana Premier League on Sunday.
After the Thursday defeat by league leaders Nsoatreman, the Porcupines were expected to produce a superfluous reaction at the Baba Yara Stadium.
It’s the second defeat of their last four games, last four without a win, and the third loss after nine games in the 2023/24 league campaign.
For Dreams, the victory is their third of the season and first away win so far.
Lineups.
Kotoko head coach Prosper Ogum started the same attack that lost to Nsoatreman, while introducing Eric Zeze into the lineup.
Team News 🗞️
➡️Zeze starts ahead of Opoku.
➡️Versatile young defender, Prince Adesa starts at right back
➡️Mfegue and Morrison returns to the matchday squad after missing the last two games. #KotokoDreams #GPLMD9 #AKSC #Fabucensus pic.twitter.com/I6dUyd1Ze2
— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) November 5, 2023
Winfred Dormon, in the dugout for Dreams, had the experienced John Antwi upfront while top winger Sylvester Simba played from the bench.
How we line up this afternoon to take on Asante Kotoko:#KotokoDreams
#StillBelieve☝🏾💚 | #IGWT | #DFC4LIFE pic.twitter.com/TbPXBoIcoo
— DREAMS FC 🏆 22/23 FA CUP CHAMPIONS (@DreamsFootballC) November 5, 2023
The visitors got involved in the play right from the onset and tried to find the opener after five minutes.
Johnson Oppong picked up a failed pass from the Kotoko midfielders and fired a powerful drive but Danlad was on duty as he parried the ball for a Dreams corner kick
Oppong called Danlad to action again but with a feeble strike in the 10th minute.
Kotoko then took over the tempo of the game after 15 minutes of play and began threatening the Dreams defence.
They scored through Steven Mukwala but the Ugandan was already in an offside position.
In the 36th minute, Kalo Ouattara tried to break the deadlock with a header from Peter Acquah’s cross but Dreams shotstopper Amoako was in position.
The visitors then rejoined the clash, began moving the ball in midfield and from the attacking plays, they won a freekick in the Kotoko half.
And from the set-piece in the 40th minute, Abdul Aziz Issah delivered a thunderbolt of a strike that Danlad could not handle.
ABDUL AZIZ ISSAH!!! OUR STAR BOY ⭐️😃🎉🙌🏽
ASANTE KOTOKO 0️⃣ – 1️⃣DREAMS FC #KotokoDreams pic.twitter.com/biiwxZoqf0
— DREAMS FC 🏆 22/23 FA CUP CHAMPIONS (@DreamsFootballC) November 5, 2023
The visitors held on till half time with the 1-0 lead.
After the break, Kotoko improved their game, their intensity, expansiveness but in attack the story never changed.
Contextually, the Reds have bagged 7 goals from 9 games, conceding 8.
And on the fine Sunday afternoon, they were woeful with the loads of chances that fell their way in the 18-yard box.
Dreams held on to finish the game with a win that brings them back to winning ways after losing to Berekum Chelsea and Legon Cities.
An important 3point at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium
ASANTE KOTOKO 0️⃣ – 1️⃣DREAMS FC #KotokoDreams
#StillBelieve☝🏾💚 | #IGWT | #DFC4LIFE pic.twitter.com/4ediEHPS8O
— DREAMS FC 🏆 22/23 FA CUP CHAMPIONS (@DreamsFootballC) November 5, 2023
The Still Believe lads host Great Olympics in match-week 10.
Asante Kotoko travel to Samartex who are unbeaten at home.
