The Porcupine Warriors picked their first-ever win over Aduana Stars in Dormaa Ahenkro thanks to a goal each from each half of the game by George Mfegue and Richmond Lamptey
Asante Kotoko defeated Aduana Stars 2-0 in the top of the table clash of Ghana Premier League at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park in Dormaa Ahenkro on Saturday.
Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh ringed two changes in his starting line up that lost to King Faisal in midweek as he paraded a relatively new squad to the league leaders.
Defender Andrew Appau whose mistake led to the goal that eliminated Kotoko from the FA Cup was dropped and his place was taken up by skipper Abdul Ganiu Ismail.
Also, youngster Augustine Agyapong was handed his maiden league start for Kotoko to replace Sherrif Mohammed.
However, Cameroonian strikers Etuoga Mbella Frank Thierry and Mfegue George Rodrigues led the attack despite their poor showing against Faisal.
After a barring quarter hour in the game where chances were at the premium for both sides, Kotoko began to press their hosts with Mbella and Mfegue causing troubles.
Kotoko finally had their noses in front by the 19th minute when Mfeuge rose above his marker to meet a teasing cross from Imoro Ibrahim which he perfectly headed it in beyond the reach of goalkeeper Joseph Addo.
The goal marked Mfegue’s third of the season as the Cameroonian continued what has looked like a fairly good start to his stay in Ghana.
Aduana came close to equalise by the 32nd minute when Emmanuel Gyamfi sent in a long cross but Sam Adams’ last ditch effort was saved by goalkeeper Danlad.
Two minutes later, Kotoko’s Mudasiru saw his long range effort been denied by the woodwork as Aduana continued to live dangerously.
After the break, Daniel Bio and Yahaya Mohammed were ever present in their search for equaliser but Danlad Ibrahim stood between them and a goal.
With five minutes remaining Aduana’s Abass Mohammed had a chance to draw even but Danlad saved the situation with a wonderful block before Bright Agyei’s rebound could only hit the side net.
Richmond Lamptey finally found an opening and doubled Kotoko’s advantage on 90th minute to silence the vociferous home supporters who were anxiously awaiting an equaliser. The goal obviously left Aduana devasted.
Kotoko have now picked up their maiden victory on Dormaa soil since Aduana qualified to play in Ghana Premier League in 2009. The win also means that Kotoko lead the league log with 23 points, three points above city rivals King Faisal who will host Bibiani Gold Stars on Sunday.