Kalo Outtara emerged as the hero for Asante Kotoko when he came off the bench and scored a late winner against Accra Lions, securing their first victory of the season.
Asante Kotoko inflicted a painful 1-0 home defeat on Accra Lions in the Ghana Premier League match-week four fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Coach Prosper Narteh Ogum's side was winless in the last three league matches after losing to Bibiani Goldstars and drawing with Karela United and Heart of Lions.
Asante Kotoko started the game strongly and came close to scoring when Steven Mukwala took a shot from distance. Shortly after, Yahaya Baba delivered a freekick that was calmly caught by Accra Lions’ goalkeeper, Daniel Afful.
Accra Lions had a chance to counterattack, with Abass Samari finding Bernard Kesse, who passed the ball to Abdul Shakun. However, Kotoko’s defense was up to the challenge.
Richmond Lamptey attempted a long-range shot from 35 yards, but Afful made a great save to deny him.
Just before halftime, there were appeals for a penalty as Kesse’s shot hit the hand of a Kotoko defender in the box.
Accra Lions made two quick substitutions after the break, bringing on Dominic Amponsah and Baba Apiiga for Kesse and David Oduro.
Apiiga had an opportunity to give the home team the lead from a freekick, but his efforts went wide.
Asante Kotoko made a substitution, replacing Mukwala with Kalo Outtara, as they searched for the opening goal.
Late in the game, Frederick Asante came on for Abdul Shakun and had a golden opportunity to secure the victory for Accra Lions. However, he failed to convert as Kotoko cleared the ball.
After a series of corner kicks, Asante finally broke the deadlock in the final minute of the match. Outtara rose high and headed home the winning goal.
