Asante Kotoko displayed sheer determination to defeat visiting Real Tamale United (RTU) 3-2 in their Glo Premier League clash on Boxing Day, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi.
The Porcupine Warriors, having tasted their first defeat in the league barely a week ago against Berekum Chelsea, went into the match with vengeance on their minds and succeeded in implementing that quest.
As they pinned down RTU to their own half, speedster Richard Mpong, in a swift counter-attack intercepted a pass from Michael Helegbe, and let go a thunderbolt that beat advancing goalkeeper Collins Addo, in the 26th minute to record the first goal for host.
RTU, languishing at the bottom of the log fought back to redeem their image but their efforts proved fruitless as they wasted in succession the two chances that came their way in the 44th and 45th minutes respectively.
Kotoko came into the second half even better, but it was RTU who stunned the homers with 55th minute parity courtesy Emmanuel Kwamina, who took advantage of a defensive blunder to beat advancing goalkeeper Soulama Abdoulaye.
Sensing danger, the Porcupuine Warriors, threw caution to the wind and mounted series of attacks which yielded dividends as unmarked Prince Baffoe, shot Kotoko ahead again with an unexpected powerful shot from 30 yards.
Buoyed by that, Kotoko kept their hold on play and Seidu Bansi, increased the tally for Kotoko in the 77th minute when he took advantage of poor calculating deep into the visitors goal area. On seeing goalkeeper Addo, off his lines, Bansi placed the ball at his far right to unsettle the visitors.
RTU, undaunted by the score-line kept fighting and veteran defender Hassan Mohammed scored their second goal to end the game 3-2.