Ghana Premier League holders, Asante Kotoko beat King Faisal 3-0 in the first Kumasi derby of the 2022/23 season on Monday evening.
The Reds were playing their second competitive game after exiting the Caf Champions League via the defeat to RC Kadiogo in September.
Head coach Seydou Zerbo used the GPL break to tune the team on his tactics and they made light work of the Insha Allah boys by halftime.
Frederick Asare made his debut due to the absence of usual first-choice Danlad Ibrahim, who was on national team duty with the Black Meteors in their U-23 Afcon qualifier Sunday.
Introducing our warriors for this evening’s derby.#KAFAKSC#Kumasiderby pic.twitter.com/ueMjIdOfSD
— Asante Kotoko SC – 21/22 GPL Champions🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) October 31, 2022
King Faisal gaffer Jimmy Cobblah paraded a young front line and had the experienced Joseph Gordon in midfield.
Our Starting XI for the #KumasiDerby
Reserves
16, Samuel Asiedu
2, Joseph Adu Dwomoh
25, Wisdom Appasu Lawoe
26, Benjamin Aloma
24, John Otu
6, Dauda Sadam
7, Elias Elias
29, Johnson Osei
27, Godfred Asiamah pic.twitter.com/GaOqJeaywU— King Faisal Football Club (@KingFaisalFC) October 31, 2022
Ugandan striker Steven Mukwala was involved in all three goals for the Reds.
The forward endured a poor start to Ghana football, resulting in backlash from the fans in their last four games.
He opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a close-range finish after a brilliant move from Kotoko.
17 minutes later, Mukwala was fouled in the 18-yard box and captain Samuel Boadu converted to double Kotoko’s lead.
Kotoko then held on to complete the first half with a dominant display.
After recess, the Ugandan attacker assisted defender Nicholas Mensah for the third goal.
Not even the triple change from Jimmy Cobblah could change Faisal’s fortunes in the match.
Triple substitution
Off
Prince Nyimfah
Emmanuel Nketia
Haruna MohammedON
Benjamin Aloma
Wisdom Appasu
Elias Elias0-3#FaisalKotoko
🟢⚪ #InshaAllah— King Faisal Football Club (@KingFaisalFC) October 31, 2022
With the win, Asante Kotoko moves to fifth in the league standings with two outstanding games to play.
On the other hand, King Faisal remains bottom after four consecutive defeats.
