Inter Allies 0-0 Kotoko: Porcupines fail to seize fourth place

David Duncan's side were frustrated by a stubborn Eleven is to One outfit in their hunt for fourth place as they shared the points after a goalless draw

Defending champions Asante Kotoko shared the spoils 0-0 with Inter Allies in Week 27 of the Ghana Premier League at the Tema Sports Stadium on Sunday.

With the battle for fourth place at stake, Kotoko manager David Duncan made one change in his team that won three consecutive games. Youngster Dauda Mohammed was benched for Amed Toure, but the Ivorian could not find the back of the net.

Allies set the ball rolling on the day, causing a lot of problems for the Kotoko defence, but all their chances were fluffed. They almost opened the scoring after eight minutes when defender Ahmed Adams's misskick was picked up by Lord Ofusuhene, but onrushing goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi sent his effort hurtling out of play for a corner kick. Fredrick Yamoah also missed the target narrowly after beating Antwi on 22 minutes.

Frank Sarfo Gyamfi was a constant menace to the Allies defence, and the former Maritzburg United winger sent several crosses into the Allies penalty area. However, Baba Mensah and Ackwei were well positioned to avert all the dangers.

Kotoko were suddenly reeling, and Antwi gratefully grasped Ofusuhene's free header from Ropapa's free-kick after his teammate was brought down.

Manager Duncan brought on Dauda Mohammed for Toure after 72 minutes, with the fans applauding the youngster, but he could not find them the much-needed goal, leaving Allies to record their sixth clean sheet during the second round of league fixtures.

Allies have moved up one place to third after Berekum Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat in Sogakope to WAFA but Kotoko have moved down one place to sixth.

Kotoko will play host to BA United next weekend, with Allies facing city rivals Liberty Professionals.