AshGold secured qualification to the round of 16 of the Tier II of the NC Special Competition by pipping visiting Young Apostles at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium on Wednesday.

Mark Agyakum’s second half strike was all that AshGold needed to make it to the next round of the competition.

The Miners dominated the entire first half but couldn’t break the deadlock.

The first chance of the game fell to Saddick Adams in the 34th minute, but his shot went over the bar.

Ashanti Gold kept pushing for the opener as the Young Apostles defended tirelessly.

Youngster Stephen Owusu Banahene should have given Ashanti Gold the lead in the 37th minute after capitalizing on a blunder from the opposition goalkeeper, but he strangely missed the chance.

Ashanti Gold made two changes in the beginning of the second half introducing Shafiu Mumuni and youngster Emmanuel Owusu for Saddick Adams and Juliusy Ziggy respectively.

The opener finally came through Mark Agyakum after tapping in a cross from Banahene.

Ashanti Gold were clearly the better side as the visitors struggled to contain them.

Substitute Godfred Asiamah nearly made it two for the home side but Ofosu Edem wonderfully saved it.

Despite creating a lot of chances, AshGold failed to increase their lead as the referee blew his whistle for the end of the game.