The Porcupine Warriors ambitions to stretch the point gap at the top was dealt a big blow in Elmina
Elmina Sharks defied the odds to defeat ten-man Asante Kotoko 2-1 on matchday sixteen of Ghana Premier League at the Nduom Sports Stadium on Monday.
After going eight games without a win, Sharks shocked Kotoko who also came into the game on the back of four eight unbeaten games.
Young goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim maintained his place in the Kotoko squad as well as Augustine Agyapong who started once again ahead of Christopher Nettey. Skipper Abdul Ganiu, Mubarik Yussif and Imoro Ibrahim complete the defensive setup.
In midfield, Richard Boadu ‘Agadas’ was left on the bench for Sherrif Mohammed to start alongside Mudasiru Salifu, Richmond Lamptey and Dickson Afoakwa, while Cameroonian strikers Etuoga Mbella Frank Thierry and Georges Mfegue Rodrigues led the attack.
Dickson Afoakwa opened the scoring on the 38th minute following a wonderful run by Mfegue who perfectly set up the former Stellenbosch midfielder to calmly tap in the first goal.
However, Kotoko’s lead lasted only four minutes as Sharks found an opening and pulled even through a corner kick. Adu Kwaw rose above his marker and powerfully headed in the teasing cross which went past goalkeeper Danlad.
After the break, Kotoko saw improvement in their play but they were pegged back by the 51st minute as Sharks went ahead through Alhaji Mustapha.
Sherif Mohammed was punished to have handled the ball in the box and Mustapha stepped forward to slot in the resulting kick after his initial effort was saved by Danlad which the referee spotted encroachment and ordered a retake.
Kotoko were soon reduced to ten men as left-back Imoro Ibrahim saw red card following a poor tackle.
Although, Kotoko made several changes and pushed men forward for the equalizer but they could not find an opening.
The defeat is Kotoko’s second of the season but still sees them at the top of the log with 33 points, four points above Bechem United who sit second and ten points better than arch rivals Hearts of Oak.
Kotoko will host debutants Accra Lions next weekend at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.