A solitary goal from Abass Mohammed secured a difficult victory for Asante Kotoko as they hosted Aduana Stars in their opening match in the Normalization Committee Special Competition on Sunday.
The Porcupines began well and claimed an early lead via the left-back’s 2nd minute strike. Abass was returning into Coach C.K Akonnor’s starting eleven since playing against ZESCO United at home in the Caf Confederation Cup.
Aduana looked to warm themselves into the encounter as midfield duo Noah Martey and Elvis Opoku urged to control the encounter. Aware of the threat, Kotoko then made sure they had a fair share of the ball, creating several battles in the contest.
Injuries then took over; Dany Zabo Teguy suffered a tackle from Aduana’s Abdul Fatawu. Wahab Adams was a victim of skipper Yahaya Mohammed’s thunderbolt earlier and then Kwame Bonsu could not continue after a central duel with Noah Martey.
Three changes straight away for Kotoko. Stephen Nyarko then replaced Zabo, Prince Acquah for Bonsu and then Emmanuel Agyemang Badu for Wahab Adams all in the first half.
Aduana’s solid midfield display saw them dictate play for larger portions of the game and appeared to have a legitimate goal by captain Yahaya Mohammed disallowed for an offside before the break.
Kotoko kept the lead in the second half, controlling the contest with resolute defending and Aduana even aided matters with their jittery display in attack.
A red card to midfielder Noah Martey 115 minutes from time saw Aduana finish the game with 10 men at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
CK Akonnor and his men next play Medeama SC on Wednesday.
Line-ups:
Asante Kotoko XI:
Felix Annan (GK) – Augustine Sefah, Abass Mohammed, Ismail Abdul Ganiu, Wahab Adams – Umar Basiru, Kwame Bonsu – Martin Antwi, Emmanuel Gyamfi, Abdul Fatawu Safiu – Dany Zabo Teguy.
Subs:
Danlad Ibrahim, Evans Owusu, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Habib Mohammed, Prince Acquah, Kwame Boahen, Stephen Nyarko.
Aduana Stars XI:
Joseph Addo (GK) – Hafiz Adams, Justice Anane, Farouk Adams, Caleb Amankwah – Noah Martey, Elvis Opoku, Uba Ukama Ulitch, Samuel Bioh – Abdul Fatawu Rahman, Yahaya Mohammed.
Subs:
Tijani Ahmed, Abu Sadiq, Paul Aidoo, Pius Yeboah, Gideon Obeng Kyeremeh, Akuoko Emmanuel, Djatti Kouame Severin.
