Asante Kotoko produced an impressive display to secure a 3-2 advantage in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup playoff against Cotton Sport on Sunday.
A masterclass first half performance saw the Ghanaian giants take a two-goal lead in the opening 30 minutes.
Emmanuel Gyamfi and Maxwell Baakoh had scored for Kotoko in the 8th and 30th minute respectively before Kamilou Dauda pulled one back for the hosts through a penalty kick six minutes to the end of the half.
The game, particularly the opening 30 minutes belonged to the visitors as Kotoko dominated much to the surprise of the packed stadium in Yaounde.
But Cotton Sport got regained their composure to end the half the stronger of the sides but with still a 2-1 deficit at the break to make up for.
It was however Kotoko that were once again the quickest off the blocks as Abdul Fatawu pounced on a misplaced back pass to score just four minutes into the half.
Kotoko however choose to sit back thereafter with the intention of soaking the pressure and hitting Cotton Sport on the counter.
This strategy worked to a large extent until the 70th minute where Kamilou Dauda capitalized on a defensive mishap to score his second of the game.
Cotton Sport, buoyed by the home fans went in search of the elusive equalizer by upping the ante up front.
This prompted coach Charles Akonnor into making some changes with Obed Owusu and Prince Acquah coming on to replace Abdul Fatawu and Kwame Bonsu respectively.
The Ghanaian giants held their one despite the heightened pressure to secure the vital away win.
Kotoko will host Cotton Sport in the return encounter on January 20 in Kumasi.
The winner over the two legs will secure qualification to the group stage of the Confederation Cup.