League Report of Sunday, 9 December 2007

Source: GNA

Premier League: Kotoko 3-0 Zaytuna United

Kumasi Asante Kotoko have so far ensured they maintain their winning ways this soccer season when they thrashed newly promoted Zaytuna United 3-0 in their second week clash of the 2007/2008 Onetouch Premier League at the Carl Rheindorf Park- Dansoman on Sunday. Two goals in the first half by striker Eric Bekoe and midfielder Prince Anokye with a second half strike from back-to-batan Kojo Poku gave Kotoko their first away victory in the two week old premiership. The result thus push Kotoko to the pinnacle of the standings of the league after they recorded similar feat over Gamba All Blacks in the league opener a fortnight ago at Sunyani.

Parading an almost new squad with captain Emmanuel Osei Kuffour, Godfred Yeboah, Adamu Mohammed, Nii Agyei and Bekoe being the new players in the starting line up, Kotoko ensured their host tasted their biggest opposition in the elite division by pinning them to their half right from the onset of the game.

Kotoko launched several attacks into the Zaytuna goal area to confirm their five star performance during the off season.

In the 28th minute, new recruit Bekoe stunned the homesters with the opener by finishing off a cross from Harrison Afful when he chested the ball before shootingl past Zaytuna's keeper Tetteh Lugard. Kotoko continued to raid the goal area of Zaytuna in pursuit of the second goal which eventually came their way ten minutes later. Anokye doubled the lead from the spot after Bekoe was fouled by his marker in the penalty area to give Kotoko a commanding lead. Zaytuna resumed the second half strongly but failed to make their way past the iron- clad Kotoko defence revolved around Godfred Yeboah, Adamu Mohammed, Richard Manu and Prince Anokye.

With Kotoko slightly on top of proceedings, substitute Poku who rejoined the team after a three year sojourn in Denmark with FC Midtjylland, sealed victory for the Porcupine Warriors with the third goal three minutes to full time.

As the clock ticked by, substitute Joseph Masiri nearly grabbed a consolation for Zaytuna but his long range effort went wide to the dismay of their fans who were overshadowed by the huge presence of the Kotoko following that included the Regional Minister, Mr Emmanuel Owusu-Ansah and other directors of the club In attendance was Metro TV's Managing Director, Talal Fatal.