Asante Kotoko began life without 'Step aside' coach David Duncan on a good note by beating surging Liberty professionals 3-1 at the Baba Yara stadium on Sunday.

Interim manager Michael Osei's charges exhibited by far their best performance this campaign to extend their unbeaten run at home to eight games.

But it didn't come cheap as Kotoko had to overcome a first minute strike from Latif Blessing by scoring three goals to record only their second victory of the season.

Captain Amos Frimpong returned to the fold after missing the 1-0 defeat at Aduana because of suspension to score as well as Ahmed Adams and striker Mohammed Dauda also found the back of the net for Kotoko.

The Visitors declared their intentions from the blast of referee Otis Oppong whistle by piling pressure on Kotoko. The pressure paid off, with only two minutes played.

Kotoko quickly after falling behind upped their game. They changed the mentality to a more attacking approach, bombarding Liberty with attacks which yielded dividends.

Eric Donkor's brilliant cross found strong center back Ahmed Adams who headed past listless goalkeeper Dida to fetch the equaliser for the Reds.

Kotoko did not relent after getting the equaliser. They pressed well and were rewarded again in the 31st minute.

Dauda Mohammed capitalised on a defensive blunder to give Kotoko the lead in the first department of the game. Dauda's strike also happened to be the league's 100th goal this season.

However, Liberty lost a man as Daniel Kodie was sent off couple of minutes to recess to compound the problems of Scientific soccer lads on the day.

The second half started from where it left off in the first, with Kotoko huffing and puffing for a third goal as against Liberty sitting deep in defence.

Liberty were able to prevent 11 man Kotoko from scoring for almost 40 minutes until whizkid Mohammed Dauda was brought down in the box after outwitting his marker.

Referee subsequently awarded Kotoko a penalty. Amos Frimpong stepped up and converted convincingly to hand Kotoko all spoils.

The result sees Kotoko move from bottom of the table to the delight of demanding fans.

Kotoko XI vs Liberty Professionals: Sowah, Frimpong, Agyeman, Adams, Tuffour Frimpong, Poku, Sarfo Gyamfi, Nyarko, Donkor, Dauda, Boateng

Liberty Professionals vs Kotoko: Dida Alhassan, Sarfo, Antwi, Mensah, Zion, Ebo Mends, Muntari, Kodie, Blessing, Eshun, Arkson