Kumasi, Aug. 26, GNA- The Kumasi venue for the first match of this year's MTN sponsored Top 4, between local rivals Kumasi Asante Kotoko and King Faisal Babies ended 2-1 in favour of King Faisal. The match which was played under flood light handled by Vivian Agor was watched by a large crowd of soccer fans.

It was Kotoko who kicked off and nearly took the lead in the third minute but the chance was wasted when Stephen Manu shot wide, with goalkeeper Samuel Okyere completely displaced.

With the heat on Faisal, Stephen Manu again headed Stephen Oduro's cross into the waiting hands of Okyere, in the 5th minute while Kwabena Yaro also shot wide in the 15th minute.

Left off the hook Faisal made two incursions into the vital area of Kotoko on two occasions but could not penetrate through the defence of Kotoko.

In the 33rd minute, Prince Arko wove his way through the defenders of Kotoko and placed the ball for Abedi Sarfo, but his shot went off target.

They, however, probed for the goal, which came in the 38th minute through Prince Arko who hit the back of the net with a perfect shot from Enoch Ebo Ando's in- swinger to end the half. On resumption Kotoko, brought in Alex Asamoah for Kwabena Yaro but it was Faisal who had the upper hand with the attack led by Ebo Ando making the defence of Kotoko to chase their shadows. Faisal substituted Abu Naba for Osei Bonus in the 65th minute, while Kotoko also brought in Abdul Samad Oppong a newly signed player from King Faisal for Stephen Manu three minute later. This brought some improvement into Kotoko's attack and paid off in the 72nd minute when Alex Asamoah was whacked down by goalkeeper Okyere in an attempt to score when he was put through by Samad Oppong. Oppong opted for the kick and equalized for Kotoko. King Faisal accepted the challenge and work hard to increase the tally in the 76th minute when Arko again connected home a corner-kick. Awudu Nafiu of King Faisal was shown the red card for hitting Samad Oppong in the 79th minute.

With their pride at stake, Kotoko made last minute on slaught but could not level up.

Coach Opele Boating who recently signed for Faisal after leaving Kotoko removed his green and white T- shirt and was carried shoulder high on the field. After that, he called the players to the centre circle and on their knees offered prayed to Almighty Allah for the victory. 26 Aug. 09