Kumasi, March 21, GNA - Sensational King Faisal Babies beat Kumasi Asante Kotoko 1-0 in their 23rd Week Glo Premier League match played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday.
The 12th minute goal scored by Frank Acheampong in a defensive blunder against the run of play, sealed the doom for Kotoko. The crestfallen Kotoko players and Coach Paa Kwesi Fabian found it difficult to leave the pitch when referee Kwame Nsiah Boafo whistled to bring hostilities to an end while the supporters beamed with surprise at the dismal performance of their idol club.
Kotoko started the match on a good note and nearly took the lead in the first minute of the game but wasted chances that came on their way. Though Kotoko exerted continuous pressure on Faisal, who was playing at home, lack of strikers up front caused Kotoko's defeat with Samad Oppong, Edward Affum and Stephen Manu wasting chances upon chances. Faisal took over in a counter in the 12th minute and scored through Acheampong, who shot past Prince Amoako with the defence of Kotoko broken with a perfect pass from Prince Arkoh.
Kotoko accepted the challenge and made series of attempts at goal but they could not translate their set pieces to level up. In the second session, Faisal nearly increased the tally in the 46th minute but Enoch Ebo Ando squandered the chance.
With their pride at stake, Kotoko made two changes with Francis Akwaffo and Kabiru Imoro taking over from Samad Oppong and Edward Affum in the 47th and 66th minutes respectively.
This helped Kotoko greatly in the attack but Faisal, who had packed its defence, was too strong to beat. Kotoko laid siege incessantly putting the defence of Faisal under pressure, but could not score, they nearly equalized in the 82nd minute but Stephen Manu shot wide in a goal mouth melee. 21 March 10