Osman Ibrahim strike in the 10th minute ensured Asante Kotoko recorded their first win of the season against Legon Cities in this matchday five fixture played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Friday.
The Porcupine Warriors started the game with a lot of intent at scoring in the opening minutes.
Legon Cities goalkeeper Fatau Dauda made a brilliant stop in the first minute to prevent Asante Kotoko from taking the lead after saving Kwame Poku’s effort at goal
Emmanuel Keyeke hit a long drive from 25 yards which was parried away by Fatau Dauda in the ninth minute.
Asante Kotoko were rewarded with their constant effort at goal in the 10th minute as Ibrahim Osman tapped on to the ball across the face of a goal from a cross to the give home side the lead.
Legon Cities had their first chance at goal in the 12th minute as Jonah Attuquaye cross was parried away by Kwame Baah
Cities were awarded a free kick close to the goal area of Asante Kotoko in the 14th minute
Nicholas Mensah picked the first yellow card of the game after he fouled Kotoko’s Kwame Opoku in the 23rd minute
Asante Kotoko captain Emmanuel Gyamfi was brought down during a counter break which saw Baba Mahama picking up the second yellow card of the game in the 31st minute
Baba Mahama beat four markers to reach the Kotoko goal area but his final delivery to the attacker was cleared by the defenders
Fatau Dauda was quick to react as he came out of his box to block a strike from Emmanuel Gyamfi in the 40th minute
Raphael Ocloo weak effort in the 41st minute could not trouble Kotoko goalkeeper Kwame Baah with his chance at goal.
Coach Maxwell Konadu was forced to make early substitutions due to injuries as Kwame Adomako and Osman Ibrahim were taken off.
New signing Sulley Muniru made his debut in the Ghana Premier League as he climbed off the bench to replace Kwame Frimpong before the close of proceedings in the first half.
Raphael Ocloo was disastrous upfront for Legon Cities as he failed to get the equalizer for his side just after recess.
Legon Cities piled a lot of pressure in search of the equalizer but Jonah Attuquaye's effort was saved by Kwame Baah to prevent Legon Cities from getting the equalizer in the 56th minute
Asamoah Gyan came in for the wasteful Raphael Ocloo in the 59th minute and was handed the captain’s armband
Gyan’s first chance on target came in the 75th minute from a free kick which went straight into the gloves of Kwame Baah
Emmanuel Gyamfi had a one-on-one with Fatau Dauda but the Black Stars goalkeeper was up to the task and prevented the ball from entering the net in the 83rd minute.
Legon Cities dominated proceedings in the second half but failed to get the equalizer as Asante Kotoko were compact and resolute at the back.
The Porcupine Warriors have accrued five points following this win in this match day five fixture.