Asante Kotoko enhanced their chances of finishing in the top four of the 2022/23 betPawa Ghana Premier League (GPL) with a spirited 1-0 victory away at Accra Lions on Saturday evening.
The Porcupine Warriors rebounded brilliantly by defeating Lions at the Accra Sports Stadium after drawing their last home game against Karela United. This was a result that effectively ended their GPL crown defence ambitions.
Kotoko got out to a fast start and could have had a two-goal lead after Solomon Sarfo-Taylor and Enoch Morrison came close.
Lions’ early threat came from the right, with winger Evans Botchway causing problems for the Kotoko defense.
Kotoko immediately recovered and took the lead in the 23rd minute. Sarfo Taylor headed in a rebound after Georges Mfegue’s initial header to a sweet cross from the right by captain Richard Boadu came off the crossbar.
Safo with the opener for Kotoko@AccraLionsFC 0-1 @AsanteKotoko_SC
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Accra Lions had chances to equalize after Botchway sent a cross to Seidu Bassit, but the striker’s effort was effectively defended by the visitors.
Bassit capitalized on an opportunistic throw-in, but the striker’s hesitation gave the Porcupine Warriors a reprieve.
As the second half began, the trailing Lions came out strong and created early chances.
After meeting two magnificent crosses from Reemeber Boateng, Bassit and Abass Samari almost equalized for Accra Lions.
Kotoko’s finest chance came when Georges Mfegue put Sarfo-Taylor through, but the forward failed to convert.
Cameroonian goalkeeper Moise Pouaty’s superb performance in the final minutes prevented Accra Lions from equalizing.
Sarfo-Taylor’s first-half header proved the game-winning goal, giving the Porcupine Warriors their 13th win of the season.
With one game left, Asante Kotoko are in fourth place with 51 points. On 44 points, Accra Lions are ranked 10th in the GPL standings.
