Match Report: ‘Majestic’ Rashid Nortey shines on his debut, Steven Mukwala strikes twice as Kotoko put struggling Kotoku Royals to the sword at home

Defending champions of the Ghana Premier League, Asante Kotoko recorded their first league win of the year after putting Kotoku Royals to the sword at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Richmond Lamptey, who was stretchered off due to injury before halftime opened the scoring in the eleventh minute for the Porcupine Warriors. He was replaced by their newly-signed midfielder, Rashid Nortey.

The former Medeama SC player put in an impressive performance in his first appearance as his side ran out 5-1 winners against the newboys.

On the 22nd minute Steven Mukwala made it two to hand the Reds a comfortable lead.

But their former attacker, Andy Kumi pulled one back for the strugglers before break.

In the second 45, the Porcupine Warriors set themselves up for victory by scoring another three goals.

Steven Mukwala then registered a second half goal. Eric Zeze also scored eight minutes from time before super-sub Sarfo Taylor scored a late minutes goal to see the Reds through 5-1.

The win edges Seydou Zerbo’s side to one point off league leaders, Aduana Stars as the Porcupines continue their quest to lift back-to-back Premier League titles.

Kotoku Royals remain at the bottom place with just seven points from 14 games.