Kotoko stunned 1-0 by WAFA

Defending champions Asante Kotoko suffered their second defeat in a roll after a 1-0 loss at the hands of West African Football Academy (WAFA) on Wednesday in Week 23 of the Ghana Premier League.

A second half effort from skipper Ashimeru was enough to grab all three points for the Sogakope-based club, with Kotoko now close to relegation following Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Berekum Chelsea.

WAFA got things underway as both teams fought to take quick control of the match, with Kotoko marginally dominating early possession.

Dauda Mohammad came close to opening the scoring when he connected a perfect pass from Frank Sarfo Gyamfi but Dauda's effort crashed against the post after goalkeeper Felix Annan was completely beaten. Gyamfi was then shown a yellow card by the 22nd minute after he needlessly brought down Ashimeru near the halfway line.

Caleb Amankwah and Martin Antwi fluffed several chances to grab the opener for WAFA as the referee brought the first half to an end.

WAFA returned from the break still determined but Kotoko were looking dangerous as well, with their onslaughts being launched through the right flank. Mumuni Zakaria eventually found back of the net by the 48th minute but his effort was ruled offside.

The Porcupines' sloppy defending opened a breach for the home team, as midfielder Michael Mensah drifted in from the left flank to deliver a pass to his skipper Ashimeru Majeed, who took a shot on his weaker right foot, sending the ball high and hard past a helpless Eric Ofori Antwi by the 50th minute to take his tally of the season to two goals.

Zakaria uncharacteristically missed a chance to double WAFA's lead when he was played through by Kennedy Kissi and coming one-on-one with onrushing goalkeeper Antwi, but his last ditch effort brushed against the side net with 15 minutes left to end the meeting.

WAFA coach John Killa brought on Samuel Tetteh and Richard Lamptey for Kissi and Mumuni in a bid to safeguard their lead while Kotoko’s David Duncan brought on winger Richard Mpong for striker Richard Oti but to no avail as the hosts held on to their lead to carry the day, as Kotoko slump into a surprise relegation battle.

WAFA are now 3rd on the log with 36 points while Kotoko languish on the 12th position with 29 points, one above relegation zone.