Asante Kotoko were left heartbroken as a late strike from Emmanuel Clottey denied them their first win of the campaign.

Maxwell Konadu’s side were leading the game for majority of the game and with few minutes o end proceedings, Clottey a former Kotoko and Great Olympics striker unleashed a powerful free-kick to restore parity for the home side.

Kotoko needed to make a statement after their disappointing first game result and performance and they sure did with a bright start to the encounter.

Kotoko were on the front foot from the onset with a drive from Emmanuel Keyekeh following a free-kick went off target in the 3rd minute.

The energetic and dominant start from Kotoko was present in almost every department with Habib Mohammed intercepted a chance for Chelsea’s Kofi Owusu. The resulting corner kick was wasted.

Kotoko kept creating chances and inside the 14th minute, Kwame Poku latched on to a Kwame Adom defence-splitting pass. His first control let him down as he was closed up by the Chelsea goalkeeper, with the striker’s subsequent effort deflected for a corner kick.

The striker will make amends 4 minutes later as Osman Ibrahim sent in a superb pass into the Chelsea box. The lurking Kwame Poku connected with a low shot which the onrushing Chelsea defenders failed to clear off the line.

Kotoko held on to their lead very well and fashioned out several half chances. In the 31st minute, a free-kick by to Emmanuel Gyamfi was extended with a nice cross into the goal area, but Kwame Poku headed wide.

The dominance of Kotoko forced Berekum Chelsea head coach Hesse Odamten from making a change with Richard Kissi subbed off for Paul Attiah inside 34 minutes.

Minutes later the change paid off as a nice team play led to Stephen Amankona unleashing a powerful shot. The beautiful effort was however thwarted by an excellent save by Felix Annan.

Kotoko thus ended the first half with a slim lead.

Back from recess, Kotoko continued from where they left off with Christopher Nettey breaking free from the right wing. The full-back completed his run with a shot which unfortunately went straight to the Chelsea goalkeeper.

Berekum Chelsea continued to pile the pressure following changes made in the second half. Experienced former Kotoko midfielder Jordan Opoku on a sub influenced affairs from the middle of the park.

Chelsea had another chance in the 80th minute. Kotoko keeper Felix Annan was beaten to a cross into the penalty box with a Chelsea attacker eventually heading towards goal.

However, the majestic Habib Mohammed was quick to avert the danger by head the ball off to a corner.

Subsequently Felix Annan suffered an injury and was replaced by Kwame Baah.

with game near its end, a free kick was awarded Chelsea just on the endge of the penlaty box. Striker Emmanuel Clottey lined it up and unleashed a powerful rifle that goalkeeper Kwame Baah could no nothing about.

The goal meant the encounter ended 1-1 eventually as the referee blew his whistle few moments after.

The draw will serve as a disappointment for Kotoko who played gallantly. For Chelsea this will be a point gained. Both teams however are without a win since the start of this season.

TIMELINE:
34′ Paul Attah Agyei on for Richard Kissi Boateng (Chelsea)
57′ Jordan Opoku for Hamza Gonji (Chelsea)
73′ Emmanuel Keyekeh for Emmanuel Sarkodie (Kotoko)
80′ Sulley Ali Muniru for Ibrahim Osman (Kotoko)
90′ Kwame Baah for Felix Annan (Kotoko)

GOALS:
18′ Kwame Poku (Kotoko)
90′ Emmanuel Clottey (Chelsea)

Berekum Chelsea XI:
Samuel Adjei (GK), Stephen Amankonah (cap), Benjamin Abaidoo, Jorge Renchi, Edward Kpodo, Kofi Owusu, Hanry Ainsu, Richard Kissi Boateng, Augustine Henneh, Hamza Gonji, Stephen Sarfo

Asante Kotoko XI:
Felix Annan (GK) (C), Christopher Nettey, Imoro Ibrahim, Abdul Ganiyu Ismail, Habib Mohammed, Emmanuel Keyekeh, Kwame Adom Frimpong, Godfred Asiamah, Emmanuel Gyamfi, Kwame Poku, Osman Ibrahim

REFEREES AND MATCH OFFICIALS

REFEREE: Daniel Laryea
ASSISTANTS: Kwesi Brobbey & Paul Atimaka
4TH REFEREE: Alfaa Ba-Adey