Asante Kotoko defeated Aduana Stars 2-0 to advance to the semifinals of the ongoing Ghalca G8 Tournament on Sunday.
Long-range drives from Eric Donkor and Kwame Boahene in either half at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium ensured the Porcupine Warriors secure top spot in Group A of the competition.
Both sides started with intensity but it was Kotoko who got the first chance of the game. Kwame Boahene did well to set up Ivorian Sylla Mohammed whose shot on the edge of the area was saved by Aduana goalkeeper Gordon Yeboah.
Kotoko continued to press and Kwame Boahen’s rebound went inches wide off the post after Gordon Yeboah spilled a Kotoko corner.
Five minutes later, Aduana came close when Sam Adams unleashed a 25 yard pile driver that flew just above Felix Annan’s goal.
With a minute to half time, Kotoko took the lead through Captain Eric Donkor whose thunderbolt striker on the edge of the box flew past Yeboah and into the net.
Aduana’s quest for a comeback was dealt a huge blow after center back Farouk Adams received a straight red on 55th minute for what appeared an intentional elbowing of Kwame Boahene when both went to challenge for an aerial ball just outside the Aduana box.
Yussif Abubakar responded by replacing Sam Adams with Caleb Amankwah to keep his defensive shape. Aduana threatened to equalize with Yahaya Mohammed setting up Oba Ikama who couldn’t apply the finish. Moments later, Bright Adjei sent a header just wide of Annan’s goal.
The consistent attack from Aduana left them vulnerable to the counter and they nearly conceded a second when Emmanuel Gyamfi stormed down the right before sending a cross to the on-rushing veteran midfielder Jordan Point but his effort was brilliantly saved by Yeboah.
Kotoko pressed for more goals and with three minutes to full time, a moment of true magic involving substitute Obed Owusu and Kwame Boahene made sure of the points.
Owusu flicked on a brilliant ball onto the path of Boahene who raced towards goal, cut infield and curled a beauty into the far corner from 18 yards to wrap up a hard-fought 2-0 victory and passage into the semifinals of the Ghalca G8 competition.
