Karela United 0-1 Asante Kotoko, as it happened, Ghana Premier League Week 13
Asante Kotoko to go top of the Ghana Premier League table after seeing off Karela United 2-0 in Week 13 of the GPL when the two sides met at the Tarkwa Akoon Community Park on Friday afternoon.
Kotoko were placed fourth on the Ghana Premier League table before coming into today’s game with 21 points just two points behind leaders Medeam SC, and only victory would see them climb to the top of the league table.
Head coach Maxwell Konadu showed his intent to go for victory this afternoon, calling a strong and virtually unchanged side that wrapped a 3-1 victory over Bechem United in their last league game.
Christopher Nettey was only the one who came in for Augustine Sefa at right-back, Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Habib Mohammed and Imoro Ibrahim completed the back line as usual.
Justice Blay for a second time in a row, Adom Frimpong and Martin Antwi formed a three-man wall against Karela’s Emmanuel Kayekeh, Darlington Gyanfosu and Sadiq Alhassan whilst William Opoku Mensah lead the line with support from Emmanuel Gyamfi on the left and Augustine Okrah on the right attacking areas.
At the receiving end, Karela United deployed former player Kwame Boateng and Diawisie Taylor as two upfront against Kotoko’s back four.
William Mensah combined beautifully with Emmanuel Gyamfi to give Kotoko the lead early in the first half. Gyamfi passed the ball to Mensah’s path, the forward entered the box after running through Karela’s defense before firing past keeper Ahmed Tujani to put Kotoko 1-0 up on the 2nd minute.
The afternoon looked poised to witness a myriad of goals when Karela swung passes together in attempt to find the leveler, but they were completely beaten to the ever ball possession intent showed as the Porcupine Warriors quickly won the ball back to control the game for most minutes of the first 45 minutes.
Karela warmed themselves back into the game to end the first half at par with Kotoko but William Opoku Mensah’s striker was the only bigger difference.
Star striker Songne Yacouba came on for scorer Mensah in the second half, and the Burkina international nearly scored from his first touch.
Kotoko should have doubled their lead during the closing stage of the game but both Emmanuel Gyamfi and Christopher Nettey couldn’t beat Karela keeper Ahmed Tujani for a second time on the afternoon as the game ended in a 1-0 victory for Kotoko.
Maxwell Konadu’s side now lead the Ghana Premier League table with 24 points after 13 games, holding a vital one point above second place Medeama SC, but the latter face King Faisal later.
