Asante Kotoko have recorded a massive victory over juvenile side Kumasi Ebony in a low mid-season friendly match on Saturday morning at the Adako Jachie Training ground.
The charged Porcupine Warriors beat the lower tier side by 5-2 send strong signals to opponents in the premier league ahead of the second round which resumes on April 2.
The first half was all for the hosts, Asante Kotoko who dominated all spheres of play to suffocate the young academy side.
Asante Kotoko started the first half with Kwame Baah in posts, Samuel Frimpong, Patrick Asmah for the left and right back roles, whiles Andrews Appau and Habib Mohammed paired in the heart of defence. Kwame Adom Frimpong, Latif Anabila and Brazilian midfielder Fabio Gama took hold of the midfiled, while attacking trio, Godfred Asiamah, Augustine Okrah and Naby Keita were deployed in attack.
Three goals from Godfred Asiamah, Naby Keita and Patrick Asmah were enough to send the game into recess after the first 45 minutes with a 3-0 lead for coach Abdulai Galzale’s side.
Back from the break, coach Abdulai Gazale made five substitutions at ago; Wahab Adams replaced Habib Mohammed in defece, Mudasiru Salifu came in for Adom Frimpong in the midfield, injury returnee Richard Senanu replaced Latif Anabila, Adomako for Fabio Gama while new signing Solomon Sarfo Taylor came in for Gofred Asiamah.
Kumasi Ebony FC won a penalty three minutes into the second half with a chance to reduce the deficit, but they were denied by goalkeeper Kwame Baah with a great save. At the 61st minute, the visitors pulled one back with a stunning long-range strike into the left top corner.
Goalkeeper Kwame Baah was shown the red card in the 63rd minute for indecency, and the Ebony FC found the net for the second and their last time with another long range strike in the 68th minute. Asante Kotoko made another change and striker Naby Keita was replaced by new boy Solomon Sarfo Taylor. The former Karela United star made his inclusion count with strike in the 77th minute to bring the score to 4-2 in favour of Asante Kotoko. Patrick Asiamah made it 5-2 for the hosts the the game ended after 90 minutes with Porcupines smiling all the way home.
