Kotoko bounce back with win over AshGold

Asante Kotoko returned to winning ways with an impressive 4-1 win over AshantiGold in the Premier League match played on Sunday.

The champions came into the game still seething from a 1-0 loss to King Faisal days earlier, in the big Kumasi derby.

Mas-Ud Dramani’s team, however, made amends to post the impressive win over AshantiGold who have not won in their last five matches.

The champions were handed a flying start by winger Richard Mpong who connected to a delightful in-swinger by Issa Yakubu to open the scores after just 12 minutes.

Kotoko could have extended their lead six minutes later but Issa Yakubu took the wrong choice of passing to Seidu Bancey when he was in a better position to score.

The spurned chances came back to bite Mas-Ud Dramani’s side as they conceded 10 minutes to the end of the first half through Emmanuel Osei.

The goal gave the Miners the needed confidence to boss the game into recess against the champions at their own backyard.

Coach Bashir Hayford’s side were the most threatening side at the restart but their dominance failed to translate into goals.

It counted against them as Michael Akuffo scored in the 58th minute to restore Kotoko’s lead.

The Porcupine Warriors extended their lead four minutes later with Seidu Bancey applying the finish.

Mumuni Shafiu then missed a glorious opportunity to reduce the deficit for AshGold in the 74th minute.

Their profligacy was punished as Seidu Bancey stepped up to score from an 86th minute spot kick to complete his brace and Kotoko’s fourth.