Asante Kotoko SC opened their 2024/25 Ghana Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over rivals Karela United FC at the Naa Sheriga Sports Centre in Nareligu.
The win earned the Porcupine Warriors their first three points of the season and ended a difficult seven-game winless streak against Karela.
The decisive moment came in the 37th minute when new signing Albert Amoah marked his debut with a powerful strike from inside the box.
His shot thundered off the underside of the crossbar, leaving Karela goalkeeper Mohammed Ganiu helpless as Kotoko took the lead.Kotoko’s new recruits played a key role in securing the win.
Congolese defender Samba O’Neil and Sudanese left-back Esmat Abdulhamid provided stability in defense, while Guinean goalkeeper Mohamed Camara, standing in for Frederick Asare, made crucial saves to deny Karela’s relentless second-half attacks.
Despite Karela’s increased urgency after halftime, Camara’s heroics ensured Kotoko held onto their narrow lead, securing a vital victory to kickstart the season on a positive note.
