Two goals from Sogne Yacouba gave Asante kotoko a hard-fought 2-1 win over defending Champions Aduana Stars at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.
Aduana Stars started the game well dominating proceedings but it was Kotoko who drew first blood after Sogne Yacouba converted a penalty in the 7th minute. Veteran Jordan Opoku was brought down in the Aduana box and the Burkinabe import made no mistake by netting the spot kick to give his side the lead.
Aduana Stars kept pushing for the equalizer but Kotoko defense remained resolute as they thwarted all their effort.
Kotoko scored their second goal just five minutes after recess when Sogne Yacouba side footed the ball into the net following a solo-run on the left flank by Prince Acquah.
Emmanuel Boateng set up Bright Adjei with a nice cross in the 68th minute and the striker rose high above his marker to nod the ball into the net for Aduana Stars.
The visitors came close again in the 82nd minute but Felix Annan saved Justice Anane’s free kick to the relieve of the Porcupine Warriors.
There was a last-minute chance for experienced Yahaya Mohammed as he hit a thunderbolt from 30 yards but the impressive Felix Annan saved the shot.
Kotoko held on to win the game despite five minutes of injury time which was added on.
By: Abdul Wadudu Osman
