New signing Kwame Poku struck twice in Kotoko’s 4-1 emphatic victory against Ghana Premier League newcomers Vision FC in Kumasi on Sunday.
Vision FC coach Nana Kwaku Agyemang had warned the Porcupine Warrious indicating they[Kotoko] underrate them at their own peril but was left crestfallen on the afternoon.
The win, sixth home win this season, moves Asante Kotoko to third place with just two points adrift leaders Bibiani Goldstars who have 33 points.
Kwame Poku timed his jump and directed Saaka’s perfect cross into the net to open the scoring inside the first seven minutes in what looked to be a game with avalanche of goals to put his side ahead but Prosper Narteh Ogum’s boys were stunned in the 22nd minute with a belter of a strike from Nana Kwasi Amoah to equalize for the visitors.
Peter Amidu Acquah restored Kotoko’s lead just five minutes after the cooling break in the first half with a powerful header before Kwame Poku got his brace —his fourth in four games since joining, in the 36th minute to cushion the lead for Kotoko.
Saaka Dauda added Kotoko’s fourth and last goal of the game just before the interval to create a mountain of task to climb for the visitors.
The second half settled for a blank score in fair exchanges as both teams failed to score from the chances created.
Asante Kotoko have now scored four goals in a single match for the first time this season partly due to the recent reinforcements in the attacking department.
Asante Kotoko have also won seven out of twelve games against newly promoted sides at home and lost just once since 2021.
The victory also means Asante Kotoko have reached six straight games winning five and drawing one since they last lost 2-0 to Nations FC.
Ogum’s ambition to wining double is well on course as his charges advanced to the last sixteen stage of the MTN FA Cup after seeing off Division Two side Accerler8z FC fortnight ago.
What do the coaches say ?
“Let me congratulate Asante Kotoko, one of the boys told me that coach Ogum made them watch my pre match five times and capitalized on what I said to play a good game. My side gave Asante Kotoko too much respect in the game”, Nana Kwaku Agyemang (Vision FC)
“Thank you, Kotoko supporters, for your support in the first round of GPL. We are grateful ” Dr Ogum Kotoko Coach(Kotoko)
The premier league record holders finished the first round of the season winning nine games , drawing and losing four apiece and scoring twenty goals and conceding twelve.
Injured Albert Amoah still leads as the club’s best scorer with 7 goals and Kwame Poku behind him with 4 goals.
The Porcupines will count on home advantage again when welcome Karela United on Friday, January 24, 2025 to begin the second round of the season.
