Kotoko beat Hasaacas

Kumasi Asante Kotoko has dislodged Hearts of oak from the top spot of the on-going Premier League after beating Sekondi Hasaacas 1-0 in their match played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Thursday.

The lone goal of the match was scored in the 23rd minute by Jordan Opoku in the first half.

Jordan who combined beautifully with midfield maestro Stephen Oduro pounced on a loose ball from the centre circle and after a first time move unleashed a powerful drive which beat goalkeeper Micheal Addo in goal for Hasaacas in the match which was rained off on Sunday July 8 at the same venue.
Kotoko who were determined to dislodge Hearts of Oak from the top of the League started the match on a fast note and made series of incursions with Daniel Nii Adjei missing a chance in the seventh minute. The 'Porcupine Warriors' continued to pile pressure and had another chance a minute later but the chance was also wasted by Nii Adjei. Playing the game cautiously, the visitors packed their defence making it difficult for Kotoko to get any early goal until Jordan scored in the 23rd minute.
With the pressure on Hasaacas, John Ashong was flashed the yellow card in the 28th minute for rough play on Louis Quainoo of Kotoko. The Giants of the West, Hasaacas came from then came into the picture and nearly equalized but Nana Kofi Egyir's shot went wide from a free kick.
Hasaacas on resumption of the second half improved on their game as they brought on David Annas for Charles Nortey in the 51st minute and this worked out well for them as they turned the table against Kotoko with series of forays.
Sensing danger, Kotoko brought on Ofosu Amoah for Kwabena Yaro in the 53rd minute but it was still Hasaacas who fought like wounded tigers and went on rampage and it had to take the genius of goalkeeper Amoako in the 54th and 57th minutes respectively to brilliantly save dangerous moves from the visitors.
With Kotoko's pride at stake they brought in Ganiyu Yahaya for Stephen Oduro in the 61st minute while Godfred Yeboah received yellow card in the 66th minute for rough play. Hasaacas who gave a good account of themselves worked hard especially when Micheal Asante took over from Joseph Akowua Mensah in the 76th minute.
Louis Agyeman also took over from Stephen Manu in the 79th minute for Kotoko but it was still Hasaacas who was in control with Joe Agyeman wasting an opportunity in the 81st minute. The game in the latter parts became difficult for Kotoko with goalkeeper Amoako resorting to delay tactics and was shown the yellow card by referee Joseph Lamptey of Accra for time wasting before the final whistle to send the fans into wild jubilation. 09 July 09