Kotoko defeat Ashgold in friendly thriller

Kotoko came from behind twice to defeat Ashanti Gold 3-2 in a pulsating friendly encounter on Sunday afternoon.

A brace from Songne Yacouba and a goal from Wahab Adams helped Kotoko to beat regional rivals Ashantigold at the Babayara sports stadium.

The Miners were 2-0 winners when the two sides met in the Ghana premier league this season.

The two goals of Ashantigold were scored by former Porcupines Saddick Adams and Eric Donkor but it was not enough to avoid a defeat.

Paa Kwesi Fabin ringed several changes to the team that faced Hearts of Oak in the Super Clash as Kwame Boahene made a comeback to the team after battling with illness in recent times.

Ashgold who had three former Kotoko players namely Saddick Adams, Eric Donkor and Richard Osei Agyemang in their line-up went up twice but failed to win.

It was a low tempo game at the beginning as both teams struggled to find their rhythm.

Ashgold nearly drew the first blood in the 10th minute as Saddick Adams beautifully located Eric Donkor whose inswinger was cleared by Agyemang Badu.

Adams came close again for Ashanti Gold but his shot went wide.

The next chance of the game fell to Wahab Adams of Kotoko in the 28th minutes but Robert Dabuo did well to deny him.

The Miners were rewarded a penalty in the 32nd minute after Amos Addai was brought down by Amos Frimpong.

Striker Saddick Adams stepped forward and converted to put Ashgold 1-0 up.

Kotoko laboured to get back in the game and their efforts were finally paid off as Songne Yacouba – scorer of two goals against Hearts of Oak in the Super Clash – scored from a direct free kick to draw them level.

The first half ended 1-1.

Ashgold came into the second half more determined and purposeful.

It didn’t take long before Eric Donkor in the 50th minute restored their lead capitalizing on a silly mistake by Agyemang Badu to shoot pass a hapless Felix Annan.

The lethal Songne equalized again for the Porcupine Warriors in the 57th minute with a superb header beating Robert Dabuo for the second time after a good cross by Amos Frimpong.

Asante Kotoko snatched the winner in the 73rd minute as Emmanuel Gyamfi’s brilliant freekick was headed home by former Aduana Stars defender Wahab Adams.

Ashgold huffed and puffed but couldn’t get the equalizer as the referee blew his whistle to end the game.