Enoch Morrison's first half strike was enough for champions Asante Kotoko to record a slim 1-0 win over Bechem United at the Baba Yara Stadium in on Wednesday afternoon in match-day 19 of the Ghana Premier League.
Goalkeeper Frederick Asare after starting in their last two matches, made way for first choice Danlad Ibrahim who was out recently due to injury as coach Seydou Zerbo named almost an unchanged line up for the game.
On the opposition end, coach Kasim Mingle named Aziz Dari in goal, skipper Kofi Agbesimah, Francis Amuzu, inform Hafiz Wontah, young sensation Clinton Duodu all made the cut for the game.
The Porcupine Warriors started on an explosive note which awarded them an early free kick just at the edge of the box but was blasted wide for a restart.
The first goal of the game was registered on the 21st minute, courtesy Enoch Morrison who chipped in from the right flanks to shoot into a tight corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance. It ended 1-0 for Kotoko at half time
Back from recess, Bechem United found their rhythm right at the start and begun to mount so much pressure on the host in search for the equalizer.
Clinton Duodu's dummy attempt in a quest to racing above a pool of Kotoko defenders could only result into a wasted corner kick on the 50th minute.
Duodu once again, went past Augustine Agyapong on the right to craft in a decent cross aimed at Hafiz Konkoni at far post but Danlad Ibrahim came off his line to collect and saved the danger.
On the 75th minute, Kotoko had a big chance to double their lead after Ugandan forward Steven Mukwala took on his marker to set up George Mfegue but the Cameroonian's effort went high off the crossbar for a goalkick.
After 90+5 minutes, referee blew his whistle to end the game and it was Kotoko who claimed all the three points in the end.
They have now jumped to the second position with 31 points after 19 outings.
By: Iddriss Abdul Rahim
