New Edubiase end Kotoko's unbeaten run

Published on: 30 November 2011

Asante Kotoko's unbeaten run in the Glo Premier League ended on Wednesday afternoon after losing 1-0 at New Edubiase United on week 9 with ten men.

Leading top scorer Emmanuel Baffour scored his ninth goal of the campaign as his first half strike separated the two sides at the Gyemfi Park.

Despite a late rally from the ten-man Kotoko side the stubborn home club stayed strong to ensure coach Maxwell Konadu’s first defeat since taking charge of the Kumasi-based giants.

Ex-Liberty Professionals attacker Baffoe stole the show where he escaped his marker Awal Mohammed to head in from a corner for his ninth goal of the season.

Kotoko started the game without striker Nathaniel Asamoah in the first-half as boss Maxwell Konadu experimented with the striking partnership of Ahmed Toure and Nafiu Iddrisu but they both failed to shine.

The Kumasi-based club were in total control in the opening exchanges with some delectable inter-positional display but profligacy upfront denied them the opener.

A first-half injury to lanky midfielder Yahaya Mohammed weakened Kotoko’s midfield as substitute Michael Mensah failed to make his presence felt in the centre of the field.

While the Porcupines thrilled the travelling fans with their Samba style, Edubiase winger Asiedu Atobra proved to be a handful for Kotoko defenders as his crosses caused massive problems for the visitors in the second-half as they held onto their lead.

With defeat starring in his face, coach Konadu brought on Michael Anaba to take control in the midfield but the pitch made it difficult for ball control for both sides as he struggled to assert his authority in the game.

Midfielder Michael Akufo was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Sekyi Quaye close to the hour mark and their numerical disadvantage killed off their surge for the equaliser.

The victory is a reprieve for Coach Anthony Commey who has come under massive pressure from fans following two successive defeats in the top- flight but his opposite number Maxwell Konadu will have some tough questions for his charges.

Despite the defeat Kotoko will stay top of the Premier League after Ebusua Dwarfs failed to capitalize on Kotoko’s slip to draw 0-0 with champions Berekum Chelsea in Cape Coast.

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