Kotoko clinch 2-0 victory over Berekum Arsenal

Kumasi May 7, GNA- Two goals were all that league leaders Kumasi Asante Kotoko needed to clinch victory over Berekum Arsenal in their one-touch second round 17th week mid-week premier league match played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Wednesday.

Kotoko took the visitors by storm when the match started after a minute's silence was observed for the late Kwame Owusu-Ansah, a former Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Kotoko.

The hosts continued to exert pressure on their opponents and had an early goal in the 14th minute through Francis Coffie who delivered a powerful left footer that beat Issahaku Shaibu in goal for Arsenal. Spurred on by the early goal, Kotoko fought hard and had another chance in the 17th minute but Kwadwo Poku fumbled with the chance. Eric Bekoe also wasted an opportunity in the 19th minute. In the 20th minute, Kotoko's ace defender Richard Manu got a cut on his head when he clashed with Francis Aggrey and had to be replaced by Seydou Daganu.

Eric Bekoe, instead of hitting the net in the 25th minute decided to give a pass to Francis Coffie who missed narrowly by shooting off target to the displeasure of the supporters. In the 34th minute, Eric Bekoe had his jersey torn by Salu Yakubu a defender when he attempted to outwit him with the ball but the resultant free kick went to corner which was wasted. Arsenal players who were completely eclipsed by Kotoko however came into the picture and had Kotoko on the back foot but the impregnable Kotoko defence would not bulge. Skipper Osei Kuffour made it 2-0 for Kotoko in the 45th minute to end the half.

Arsenal returned in the second half with a brand of aggressive football and nearly pulled a goal back in the 48th minute but a shot from Francis Aggrey was parried over the bar by goalkeeper Eric Nii Baah.

In a counter attack, Kotoko had a chance in the 50th minute but Jordan Opoku who had moved deep into the vital area of Arsenal missed the post narrowly. Arsenal came into the picture again, fighting like wounded lions as they mounted series of forays, forcing Kotoko to recoil into their shell. Sensing danger, Kokoto brought on Nana Arhin Duah for Kwadwo Poku in the 60th minute but it was Arsenal who, were still on top shooting from all angels as the game progressed. Eric Bekoe got injured in the dying minutes of the game and could not return to finish play.