Asante Kotoko continued their remarkable resurgence with a gritty 1-0 victory over Karela United at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, climbing to the summit of the Ghana Premier League table.
Captain Justice Blay delivered the decisive moment, calmly converting a second-half penalty to secure all three points for the Porcupine Warriors.
Kotoko's season has been a tale of two halves. After a dismal start that saw them endure a five-game winless streak, including four straight defeats, their title hopes seemed all but over. However, a stunning turnaround has seen them win six of their last seven matches, reigniting their campaign.
Sunday’s encounter was a tense affair, with Kotoko enjoying 57% possession but struggling to break down Karela’s stubborn defence. Despite creating six goal attempts, only two were on target, underlining the difficulty of the contest.
The breakthrough came after Baba Yahaya was fouled in the box, and Justice Blay stepped up to convert the resulting penalty. It was another frustrating outing for Karela United, whose defensive lapses continue to cost them dearly.
Rooted to the bottom of the table, Karela struggled offensively, managing just one shot on target. Their lack of firepower remains a significant concern as they battle to avoid relegation.
Kotoko, now one point clear at the top, will look to maintain their momentum when they face Nsoatreman in their next match. Meanwhile, Karela will host Berekum Chelsea as they search for a much-needed victory.
This win underscores Asante Kotoko’s resilience and determination to challenge for the title, silencing early-season critics and proving their championship credentials.
