Fabio Gama’s second-half penalty aided Kotoko to beat Karela United in the Ghana Premier League on Wednesday.
The Porcupine Warriors feared they would drop points when Diawise Taylor cancelled out Emmanuel Gyamfi’s first half composed finish.
But the Brazilian stepped up to score the winner from 12 yards after Kotoko were awarded a contentious penalty.
The win takes Kotoko to the summit of the table, three points ahead of Hearts of Oak who play on Thursday evening.
Knowing they had to win, Kotoko dominated and deservedly took the lead in the 21st minute when Gyamfi beat the goalkeeper with a close-range finish after receiving a brilliant pass from Gama.
But, Karela fought back as they grabbed the equaliser 16 minutes after the first half break.
A shot from outside the box deflected kindly onto the path Taylor’s path and he produced a fine finish for his 17th goal of the campaign.
Kotoko's insistence that Taylor was in an offside position delayed the restart of the match.
But few minutes after calm was restored, Kotoko were awarded a penalty following a clash between Evans Amoako and goalkeeper Richard Baidoo.
Karela protested but the referee's decision stood and Gama scored with aplomb.
Should the Phobians fail to beat Legon Cities, Kotoko will stay top ahead of Sunday's title decider.