Asante Kotoko have climbed to the summit of the league table for the first time this season after beating Karela United by 2-0 at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park on Sunday.
The CAM Park, home grounds of the “Passioners” has been a no go area for clubs who travel there to face Karela United. Karela played their first competitive game at the CAM Park on Sunday, the 38th day of the year 2016, February 7, 2016. The game was against Sekondi Hasaacas FC and Karela United won by 2-1. The venue had since, until kickoff of the game between Karela United and Asante Kotoko this afternoon, February 7, 2021, recorded 248 goals in 64 games for Karela United. They had won 62 out of the total of 64 games and were hopeful of protecting that pride against the Porcupines who they last beat by 3-1 in the 2018/19 season, but the dream ended in tears for coach Evans Adotey’s side.
Karela had a home unbeaten record to protect, while Asante Kotoko, the only club with a 100% away record in the league this season also were in to protect their potency on the road.
The game on Sunday started with the home side making early incursions to break the defence of the Porcupine Warriors, but the visitors proved too good a side to be run over with ease. Goalkeeper Razak Abalora made a life saving save in the early minutes in a one on one encounter from Karela’s potent attack to boost his side’s confidence into the game.
Coach Johnson Smith’s side stopped an initiated Karela United attack and reversed it into a counter play in the 38th minute of the first half. Kwame Opoku found left back Imoro Ibrahim on the flanks and the former Karela United man made no mistake as he leashed a shot to beat goalkeeper Baidoo. Kotoko took the lead and maintained it till the referee blew for the end of the first half.
The second half started with intensity and much determination from both sides, but it was the visitors who came to the party, and went ahead to double their lead through Kwame Opoku who had gone four (4) matches without scoring before the game.
The win lifts Asante Kotoko to the summit of the table with 23 points, one more than Bechem United and Karela who are joint second.
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