Kotoko Pip Faisal

Kumasi Asante Kotoko inflicted a painful 1-0 defeat on city rivals, King Faisal in their GT Premier league match at the Kumasi Sports stadium on Sunday to bring smiles back to the faces of their teeming supporters.

Kotoko who lost 0-2 to Enugu Rangers in the Confederation Cup match followed up with another 0-1 loss to Real Tamale United in the Premier League match last Wednesday and so needed the win to maintain their lead on Group A league table and bring hope on their teeming supporters. Faisal started the game on a fast not and pinned Kotoko to their own half forcing the defense to commit offences which resulted in free kicks but they failed to translate the chances into goals.

Left off the hook in the 16th minute, Kotoko earned a free kick just outside the penalty line but Charles Taylor shot off target. King Faisal again came into the picture and made series of incursions but goalkeeper Mohamed Alhassan saved Hamza Mohamed's free kick in the 22nd minute.

Kotoko counter-attacked and moved deep into Faisal's vital area but again Charles Taylor missed a chance in the 24th minute. Kotoko continued to pile pressure with the attackers shooting from all angles to take the lead and in one such forays' Charles Taylor beat a defender on the run but keeper Suraju Mohamed of Faisal was on hand to send the ball to corner.

The resultant kick in the 42nd minute by Charles Taylor was headed home by Yusif Chibsah to end the first half in Kotoko's favor.

Back from the recess, Kotoko were still on top with Nana Arhin Duah's shot missing the posts narrowly in the 46th minute. King Faisal brought on Ofosu Michael for Richard Agyei in the 60th minute while Kotoko also substituted Michael Osei for Yusif Chibsah in the 64th minute.

Kotoko maintained their composure while King Faisal tried to find the equalizer.

King Faisal again made another change by bringing on Prince Antwi for Ishaq Debrah in the 75th minute while Nana Arhin Duah also gave way to Imbola Sanjie in the 76th minute.

Disaster nearly hit King Faisal in the 87th minute when substitute Michael Osei pounced on a loose ball and raced with it but keeper Suraju who came from the post and struggled for the ball and caught the ball outside the penalty box but the referee ignored the offence to end the day's proceedings in favor of Kotoko.