Asante Kotoko lost 2-0 to a resolute Berekum Chelsea side on a hugely disappointing afternoon at the Golden City Park in the BetPawa Premier League matchday 26.
Kotoko made some changes to the side that played against King Faisal in their outstanding game.
Eric Zeze and Richard Boadu Agadas were suspended due to accumulated yellow cards. De Souza and Nicholas Osei-Bonsu also missed the trip through injury.
Danlad Ibrahim returned into the starting XI ahead of Frederick Asare, John Tedeku also came in as replacement for Maxwell Agyemang.
The first-half was often a case of attack vs defence, with the hosts simply playing to frustrate the Reds.
Having returned from break with a goalless draw, Berekum Chelsea upped their performance and looked fairly comfortable in keeping Kotoko out.
The opener was finally snatched by Ouattara Kalo in the 50th minute.
The hosts maintained their good round as they doubled the lead after 63rd minute via Ouattara’s second goal.
Hope and belief seemed to drain out for the Porcupine Warriors as the game continued. The Bibires, on the other hand desperately searched for the third goal and the game was effectively settled after 86th minute goal from Ansu Patrick.
Asante Kotoko struggled to break down their opponent throughout, and although it may be hard for their supporters to accept after failing to close the gap on current leaders Aduana Stars.
The defeat leaves them in fourth place with 39 points, while Chelsea rank eight with 37 points.
