Africa-Press – Ghana. Asante Kotoko marked their return to the Ghana Premier League (GPL) in grand style, securing a resounding 4–2 victory over Karela United at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, just a week after crashing out of the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Porcupine Warriors produced a dominant display in the match-week eight encounter, sending a strong signal ahead of next weekend’s much-anticipated Super Clash against archrivals Accra Hearts of Oak.
Kotoko wasted no time asserting their dominance, breaking the deadlock in just five minutes through Hubert Gyau, who unleashed a stunning non-drop strike beyond goalkeeper Daniel Afadwu.
The goal came from a brilliant team build-up, showcasing a fluid inter-positional play as Saaka Dauda’s intelligent cross found Gyau in perfect position to finish emphatically.
However, Karela United quickly drew level ten minutes later when referee Maxwell Hanson awarded them a penalty after Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Kamara brought down a Karela attacker in the box.
Bless Ege stepped up and expertly converted the spot-kick, drawing cheers from the few travelling fans.
Gyau restored Kotoko’s lead in the 22nd minute with a thunderbolt from 35 yards, leaving Afadwu rooted to the spot.
The move was initiated by Lord Amoah, whose blistering run and fine cross were neatly laid off by a teammate into Gyau’s path. The former Berekum Chelsea midfielder made no mistake, blasting home a sensational strike.
Kotoko continued to pile pressure on the visitors and were rewarded again in the 35th minute when Seth Kwadwo headed home a delightful cross from Peter Amidu Acquah to make it 3–1.
Despite dominating the remainder of the first half, the Porcupine Warriors could not add to their tally before the break.
The second half picked up right where the first left off, with Kotoko dictating the pace and keeping Karela pinned in their own half.
Coach Abdul-Karim Zito introduced Samuel Tenadu for the impressive Gyau in the 59th minute to inject fresh energy into the attack.
Barely a minute after coming on, Tenadu made an immediate impact in the build-up to Kotoko’s fourth goal.
His presence unsettled the Karela defence, allowing Morifing Donzo to set up Acquah, who calmly finished from close range to extend Kotoko’s lead.
Karela United, however, refused to go down quietly. Abdul-Rahman Yaya pulled one back in the 72nd minute, reacting quickest to a rebound to make it 4–2.
Both sides played end-to-end football in the closing stages, but Kotoko held their ground to seal a convincing victory and return to winning ways in the domestic league.
The result boosts the confidence of the Reds ahead of their fierce rivalry clash with Hearts of Oak, promising another spectacle for Ghanaian football fans.
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