Week 12 of the Ghana Premier League saw a local derby at the Kumasi Sports Stadium between League leaders Asante Kotoko and rivals King Faisal.
Kotoko who had gone into this game with a defeat to Ashanti Gold last weekend was very poised to continue their home record this season as the only team who have managed to win all home matches this season so far in the league.King Faisal on the other hand also went in very strong following their 3-0 home win against Edubiase on sunday.
Asante Kotoko head coach Mas-Ud-Didi Dramani made 5 changes in the team that lost on sunday against Ash Gold.Captain Micheal Akuffo and Yahaya Mohammed came back into the starting line up,with goalkeeper Joseph Addo making his first Appearance ever since joining the Porcupine worriors this season from Hearts of Lions.Richard Mpong also came back to boost the Kotoko midfield with Eric Donkoh also coming in for Ugandan Import Joseph Otchaya who is on international duty.
However it was King Faisal who showed early indications when striker Sulley Mohammed failed to connect a cross from his captain Tetteh Nortey in the 2nd min.Kotoko quickly responded 2min later when Saidu Bancey was timely intervened by Faisal defender Ransford Kwarkye after a perfect through ball from Jordan Opoku.Sulley Mohammed once again came close in the 7th min when he took on the Kotoko defenders a strack the ball home with his left foot but Joseph Addo came out with a wonderful save.Faisal attacker Price Boateng however failed to connect the rebound.Kotoko once again came close to score in the 11th min when Yahaya Mohammed headed a ball from a corner kick with Faisal goalkeeper Ibrahim Iddrissu putting up a great save.
In the 23rd min Sulley Mohammed who had been tourmenting the Kotoko defence tried a long range shot but too fible to beat Joseph Addo.In the 31st min Faisal defender Pius Addo nearly connected the ball in his own net but goalkeeper Ibrahim Iddrisu come to the rescue.With Kotoko piling on the pressure Saidu Bancey once again came close following a header in the 34th min but goalkeeper Ibrahim once again came on board when he tipped the ball from the line.Yahaya Mohammed failed to connect the rebound,keeping Kotoko at bay.It almost seemed Kotoko had the first goal in the 37th min when Jordan Opoku headed home into the back of the net just for referee Ladbridge to whistle for an offside.The however ended goalless at the end of the first half.
In the 2nd half Kotoko poured more men forward and was rewarded just 2min into the 2nd half.Along range shot from Prince Boateng was saved by Goalkeeper Iddrisu but a rebound from Yahaya Mohammed saw Faisal defender Pius Baffoe connecting into his own net.Kotoko still kept the game on piling on pressure and was once again rewarded in the 52rd min when Yahaya Mohammed was brought down by Faisal experienced defender Ransford Kwarkye in the penalty box.Saidu Bancey calmly slotted the ball home with an expect spot kick which eventually increased his goal tally from 2 to 3 so far in the league.
Faisal Coach Carlos Roberto Paulleta quickly made a change bring on Owusu Bempeh for Eugen Akoto.However that change could not change the pace of the game when Kotoko had their 3rd goal.Thanks to a header from striker Saidu Bancey following a set piece from Micheal Akuffo in the 62nd min.Faisal again made a substitution bring on Sadat Wahab for midfielder Franklin Osei.Kotoko however maintained their composure and Yahaya Moahammed who had been a torn in flesh for the Faisal defence was once again fouled in the penalty box but referee taking non of it.
In the 71st min Didi Dramani inserted his first change bringing on Issah Yakubu for Prince Baffoe to strengthen his midfield.Sadat Wahab howver had the opportunity to get a consolation for King Faisal in the 77min but failed.
Kotoko defended their 3goal advantage well to see them stretch the point to 4 following Hearts of defeat to Medeama.Kotoko still lie on top with 27 points.
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