Kotoko Falters Again As Sharks Pick Up Win At Elmina
Kumasi Asante Kotoko faltered again to suffer a 1 – 0 defeat to ELmina Sharks at the Nduom Stadium at Elmina.
The Porcupine Warriors who went into the match having suffered a goalless stalemate against bitter rivals Accra Hearts of Oak in the ‘Super Clash’ last week could not better their efforts in Accra rather suffering what becomes their third defeat of the season in the league.
The game started with Kotoko creating some decent chances the first of which saw Emmanuel Sarkodie skiing his shot over the bar. Elmina Sharks replied with their own in the 10th minute with a shot at goal missing by a few inches. Chrsitopher Nettey and Fabio Gama linked up in the 14th minute before Gama aimed a shot at goal which went wide.
Elmina Sharks had a penalty call ignored by the referee in the 22nd minute before Kame Opoku rounded Sharks goalkeeper to aim an effort at goal which was denied by a last ditch clearance by Samuel Arthur for Elmina Sharks. The referee waved play on for the second time against Sharks when Wahab Adams entangled with a Sharks player in the box. Kotoko capitalized on it to launch an attack at Sharks with Christopher Nettey shot missing by inches. Benjamin Boateng went to the ground in the box in first half added time only to have his penalty appeal waved away.
The second half started with brisk actions from Kotoko. Gama threaded a pass to Kwame Opoku who shot just wide. Mustapha Alhaji then scored after 55 minutes to give Sharks the lead which eventually was the separating factor giving Nii Odartey Lamptey a win to start his interim coaching role at Sharks. Benjamin Boateng had a chance to add to Sharks tally only to let the ball fly pass him in front of Razak Abalora’s post.
Kotoko applied late pressure to try to salvage a point from the match but Sharks proved too strong to break as they held out to earn all three points on home turf. Sharks will next travel to face Liberty Professionals in Accra while Kotoko play host to Berekum Chelsea also in Accra.
By: Clifford Adumbire | myactiveonline.com
