For the very first time in so many years, Asante Kotoko managed to beat Etoile du Sahel in Kumasi.
It was two goals from Augustine Okrah and Richard Arthur that ensured that Asante Kotoko beat Etoile du Sahel 2-0 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi today.
The genesis of the game saw Asante Kotoko dominating possession, which resulted in Augustine Okrah’ opener for the Porcupines in the third minute of the game.
The former Northeast United attacker scored from a sublime free kick to give the Porcupines the lead.
Coach Kjetil Zachariassen’ side continued their dominance over the Sahel based club, firing from all cylinders to get another goal.
Experienced midfielder Jordan Opoku, in quest for the second goal, saw his free kick in the eleventh minute punched infield by the visitors goalkeeper, but defender Ampem Dacosta’ rebound went off target.
Striker Augustine Okrah nearly registered a brace, but his shot in the 35th minute went straight to the crossbar and off the touch.
Emmanuel Gyamfi was impeded in the box during the 40th minute, but the centre referee waved a play-on, denying Asante Kotoko a penalty.
Hannechi Meher of Etoile du Sahel went to the books of the centre referee in the 41st minute for a bad play and was the first player to receive a yellow card in the game.
The first half ended with Asante Kotoko leading by a goal to nil.
Asante Kotoko returned from the break with another spectacular of a performance, enjoying possession and creating of descent chances.
In the 55th minute, centre-back Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu sent in a rebound from Augustine Okrah’ corner kick and Richard Arthur beat the offside trap to hit in the ball beyond the reach of the stretched Etoile du Sahel goalkeeper, to make it 2-0 for Asante Kotoko.
Coach Kjetil Zachariassen made his first substitution in the game, by replacing Richard Arthur with Burkina Faso international Songne Yacouba in the 62nd minute.
The Porcupine Warriors continued their dominance over the Tunisian side, who were defending gallantly to prevent fired up Asante Kotoko side to score more goals.
In-form Matthew Kelvin Andoh came in for Emmanuel Gyamfi who was not in his usual form for the Porcupines.
Jordan Opoku also went out in the 91st minute for Godfred Asiamah.
Kotoko continued to dominate the game with Songne Yacouba’ kick in the 90+2nd minute going off target.
The match ended 2-0 in favor of Asante Kotoko, who are eager to qualify to the group stage of the CAF Champions League for the first time since 2006.
Kotoko will now travel to Tunisia for the reverse fixture, with Etoile du Sahel hoping to return the 2-0 deficit in Sahel.
Asante Kotoko line-up
(GK) Felix Annan (CAP)
Patrick Yeboah
Ampem Dacosta
Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu
Habib Mohammed
Justice Blay
Jordan Opoku
Emmanuel Gyamfi
Augustine Okrah
Richard Arthur
George Abege
SUBS
Kwame Baah
Songne Yacouba
Augustine Sefah
Godfred Asiamah
Evans Owusu
Samuel Frimpong
Etoile du Sahel line-up
Bdiri Makrem (GK)
Ben Quannes Ahmed
Hannechi Mehar
Bougattas Zied
Ben Aziza Sadeon
Boukhanchoue Salino
Beaoui Melek
Lahmar Haniza
Ben Arbi Firas
Daruin Gonzalez
Ariri Karim
SUBS
Krir Achraf
Sallems Behe
Konatius Ouman
Mejri Bilel
Yafare Yannis
Zenal Ahmar
Haj Hassen Hazah
