Justice Blay converted from the spot in the 64th minute against Karela United on match day 18 in Kumasi to send Asante Kotoko to the top of the table for the first time this season.
It was the first game of the second round of the Ghana Premier League at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium as the stakes were high for both teams after making a few additions to their squads especially Asante Kotoko in the just ended January transfer window.
Kotoko were a huge favorites ahead of the kick off after an impressive run of form holding a six-game unbeaten run, winning five with the recent victory coming against Visiom FC who lost 4-1.
The travelers on the other hand had lost their last three outings and remained winless in the last five.
The first half of the game saw wonderful exchanges from both sides with Asante Kotoko more determined to get the opener but were kept at bay by Karela’s defense.
Kwame Poku, Saaka Dauda and Patrick Asiedu all couldn’t not connect the opportunities fell them as the half ended blank.
The breakthrough came when fans lover Justice Blay romped Karela’s goalkeeper, Ganiu Mohammed Abdul from the spot after Baba Yaya was brought down in the box just on the hour mark.
The win means Ogum’s side have picked their fourth straight victory since losing 2-0 to Nations FC in November and the first beating Karela United at home since 2021.
“That should be our aim if we want to win the league but we need to take it game by game . This game is over and we need to focus on the next game and ensure get the maximum point”- Prosper Narteh Ogum(Asante Kotoko)
“I am not disappointed. We played very well. They[Karela players] have done well and as a coach they have done certain tactical things that are positive. This is my first competitive game and I am not disappointed.”- Nurudeen Amadu(Karela United)
Kotoko v KarelaAsante Kotoko will travel to the Bono East to play reigning FA Cup champions Nsoatreman FC next on Sunday at the Nana Konamansah Park.
