Asante Kotoko narrowly defeated San Pedro in the first-leg of the CAF Confederation Cup playoff round at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi today.
[ads1]
Naby Keita’ lone goal in the second half ensured the Porcupines annexed the full three maximum points at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The match was supposed to have been played on last Sunday, but it was called off due to a heavy downpour in Kumasi after the first half of the game which ended in goalless.
The second department of the game then continued at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium today where Kotoko, through Naby Keita’ goal from the spot managed to pip the Ivorians by 1-0.
[ads1]
Kotoko started the game on a good note, trying everything possible to get the opener but to no avail.
San Pedro’ Mbondi Christ was yellow carded for fouling Kotoko centre-back Stephen Ayiku Tetteh in the 57th minute of the match.
In the 58th minute, Songne Yacouba tried a long range header which was going to the net but goalkeeper Tra Tape came to the rescue of San Pedro with a diving save.
Kotoko striker Richard Arthur nearly had the opener in the 60th minute as headed a whisker of the right post from inside the penalty box.
The former St. Georges FC attacker scored in the 64th minute from a close range efforts but the goal was ruled out for offside.
[ads1]
Coach Kjetil Zachariassen made his first substitution in the second half as he brought on Guinea international Naby Keita Laryea for Collins Ameyaw in the 68th minute.
In the 77th minute Patrick Yeboah was replaced by Matthew Kelvin Andoh as coach Zachariassen decided to throw more men upfront, changing his formation to 3-4-3.
Goalkeeper Felix Annan made a crucial save for Kotoko in the 82nd minute, as he pulled up a good save to Sherif Olatunde’ strike.
The ninety minutes was up but the fourth referee added additional five minutes to the match.
In the 90+5 minute, Kotoko marksman Songne Yacouba was brought down in the penalty box, which the center referee whistled for a penalty.
[ads1]
Naby Keita beautifully converted the spot kick to send Asante Kotoko to the lead at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The game eventually ended 1-0 for Asante Kotoko who are hoping to get a favourable scoreline in Ivory Coast in the second-leg to secure a ticket to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Kotoko starting line-up up
Felix Annan
Empem Dacosta
Patrick Yeboah
Agyemang Badu
Stephen Ayiku Tetteh
Justice Blay
Collins Ameyaw
Emmanuel Gyamfi
Augustine Okrah
Richard Arthur
Songne Yacouba
