Mirren bow 0-1 to Kotoko

Kumasi, June 28, GNA - Sporting Mirren put up a splendid performance but failed to contain a rejuvenated Kumasi Asante Kotoko side as they bowed 0-1 in the 26th fixtures of their m encounter of the Glo Premier League match at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi on Sunday.

Kotoko had to go all out in search of their experience to get the needed goal in the 88th minute when substitute Alex Asamoah broke the deadlock from a free kick taken by Stephen Oduro in the vital area of Sporting Mirren.

Sporting Mirren beat Kotoko 2-1 in the first round of the League. Kotoko started the game on a fast note but they allowed the visitors to take over and dictate the pace with series of dangerous moves.

The visitors came close to scoring in the 15th minute but George Ankaama who had the chance to score allowed keeper Louis Quainoo to scoop the ball from his feet. Mirren who displayed total good football, wasted another opportunity in the 24th minute when Nicholas Coffie fumbled with on-rushing keeper Soulama Abdoulaye to grab the ball to safety and wasted another chance a minute later as Ankamah's shot was again saved by Abdoulaye.

Against a strong opposition, Mirren continued to display good inter-positional passes with Kotoko's midfield completely broken and nearly took the lead in the 43rd minute but Godfred Yeboah came in to save the situation to end the half goalless.

On resumption of the second half Kotoko managed to turn the table when Prince Anokye took over from Godfred Yeboah in the 46th minute. In the 55th minute Mirren also brought on Achite Komi for Nicholas Coffie while Coach Herbert Addo brought in Alex Asamoah for Hanan Giwa in the 56th minute in his determination to carry the day.

Kotoko continued with the pressure and nearly broke the deadlock in the 70th minute but Asamoah's shot hit the cross bar and bounced back into play but Kwabena Yaro's final shot went off target. Stephen Oduro took over from Nzemaba in the 77th minute to exhaust Kotoko's substitution and with the heat still on Mirren, the 'Heavens' broke loose when Asamoah scored the winning goal two minutes to full time.

Asamoah from this goal now has thus got 14 goals to his credit making him the leader on the goal king race followed by Obed Ansah of Accra Hearts of Oak. 28 June 09