Asante Kotoko have had their away matches winning run in the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League (GPL) ended after suffering a 1-0 defeat in to Elmina Sharks at the Nduom Sports Complex on Friday evening.
The Porcupine Warriors suffered their first defeat away from home in the match week 17 encounter against coach Odartey Lamptey’s Elmina Sharks. Before the game, Elmina Sharks had gone six (6) consecutive matches without a win, with their last victory dating as far back as January 24, when they defeated Bechem United by 2-1 at the Nduom Sports Complex in Elmina.
The Sharks were poised for the beginning of a new era under a newly appointed coach, Odartey Lamptey, who was making his debut as head coach for the Elmina based club. A 55th minute strike from Alhaji Mustapha was enough to hand them their first win since January and inflict a first away defeat on Asante Kotoko in the ongoing campaign.
The home side looked much a depleted side going into the game, having dissolved their technical team after losing head coach Yaw Acheampong to Medeama Sporting Club, as well as the star of the playing body, Benjamin Tweneboah also to Aduana Stars in the ongoing transfer window. However, the appointment of former Ghana international Odartey Lamptey to replace Yaw Acheampong seems to have brought motivation to the team, propelling them to beat Asante Kotoko, an obvious contenders of the league title.
The first half of the game appeared to be balanced as both sides threaded cautiously. There were a few chances created by both sides but none could find the net before half time. Asante Kotoko leading scorer Kwame Opoku came close to finding the opener for the Porcupine Warriors on the 22nd minute, but his strike went off target.
However, Elmina Sharks attacking trio, comprising of Alhaji Mustapha, the eventual scorer of the only goal in the game, Baba Sule and Bernard Boateng kept the backline of Asante Kotoko restless as they continuously pressed for a goal. The exchanges were limited to a midfield play till the first 45 minutes was exhausted and the referee blew for recess.
After the half time, the home side raised their game as they still pressed harder to find that all important goal which they eventually got. On the 55th minute mark, Alhaji Mustapha struck to finish off a counter attack by Elmina Sharks, and that was enough to hand his side all the needed three points.
Naby Keita and Patrick Asmah were introduced as replacements for Fabio Gama and Emmanuel Sarkodie respectively for Asante Kotoko, but the Sharks proved too resolute at the back as they protected their goal. The 90 minutes elapsed and after the few added time, the referee blew for the end of proceedings.
Asante Kotoko have now gone 4 matches without a win in all competitions, scored 1 goal and conceded 3. They have now gone 270 minutes without a goal.
