Kumasi Asante Kotoko blew the title race wide open after a pulsating 2-1 comeback win over league leaders Aduana Football Club at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The Porcupine Warriors had nothing but redemption in mind after their humiliating 3-0 loss to Berekum Chelsea in their previous fixture.
Coach Abdul Gazale made a notable change in goal, bringing Frederick Asare in place of Black Meteors captain, Danlad Ibrahim.
Isaac Mintah opened the scoring for Aduana Stars in the 25th minute after knocking in a rebound from Asare’s initial save. That was the midfielder’s fifth goal of the season for the Ogya boys.
Asante Kotoko stepped up their game after going behind as Ugandan striker Steven Mukwala popped up with the equalizer twelve minutes later, after the Aduana defence failed to clear their lines.
Ivorian midfielder Eric Zeze gave the Porcupine Warriors the lead for the first time in the game two minutes into the second half after a decent play pattern created a space close to the penalty box. Zeze exhibited his footballing sense by opening up his body as the center backs of Aduana charged at him. He leaned back to curl the ball past Joseph Addo in the goal.
Referee Abdul Latif grew increasingly frustrated with the ball boys, forcing him to caution one for time wasting in the game’s dying embers.
Former Hearts of Oak man Mohammed Alhassan led from back, organizing his defence and making a crucial goal-line clearance in the 71st minute.
Aduana FC coach Paa Kwasi Fabin rated his performance as average, blaming the climatic conditions disrupting their play pattern.
The win moves Asante Kotoko to fourth position on 42 points above bitter rivals Accra Hearts of Oak. Aduana Stars are still on top despite losing with 47 points.
Relegation-threatened Great Olympics will host Asante Kotoko in their next game at Sogakope.
