MATCH REPORT: Asante Kotoko ease back to winning ways with victory over FC Samartex

Asante Kotoko returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over FC Samartex.

The Porcupine Warriors suffered a 1-0 defeat to Hearts of Oak in Accra but they bounced back to beat the GPL returnees at the Nana Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Samreboi.

Kotoko went into the game without goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim and Augustine Agyapong due to their assignment with the national U-23 team ahead of their upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Algeria.

Steven Mukwala also missed out. Blay and midfielder Mohammed Sheriff started from the bench.

Kotoko finished the first half with a flourish as they took a 2-0 lead into the break.

Enock Morrison broke the deadlock in the 18th minute with a beautiful strike before youngster Rocky Dwamena added the second goal in the 27th minute.

In the second half, Kotoko failed to extend the lead. Their goalkeeper, Frederick was rarely troubled but he made some excellent saves before Ebenezer Acquah scored to reduce the deficit for the hosts in the 90th minute.

The reigning champions are back into the top four. They closed the gap on Aduana Stars to five points and sit at the third position with 34 points.

Annor Walker’s side remains in 9th place with 30 points from 22 games.