Asante Kotoko defeated Eleven Wonders by a lone goal in their first G-8 tournament game with Obed Owusu neatly converting a 37th minute penalty.
Kotoko made several changes to their team, handing Danlad Ibrahim, Sylla Mohammed and Wahab Adams their debut game. Eleven Wonders on the other hand gave Larbi Koomson and Salifu Cisse their first match.
The game started with Eleven Wonders creating the first chance of the game in 3rd minute but Daniel Larbi’s good shot went wide. Kotoko then dominated the game and could have broken the deadlock after some fine work by Kwame Boahene on the left wing but the resilient Eleven Wonders defence contained him to send the ball to corner.
Jordan Opoku also came close to scoring in the 17th minute but his mighty 30-yard shot missed the target. The only goal of the match was registered in the 37thh minute after the impressive Kwame Boahene was fouled in the penalty box.
Obed Owusu neatly converted for Kotoko who grew in confidence afterwards pilling the pressure on Eleven Wonders. The second half started with Kotoko making good incursions but Eleven Wonders maintained their composure.
Coach Steve Polack of Kotoko in 57th minute, pulled out Obed Owusu for Fatawu Hamidu. Edwin Tuffour also replaced Jackson Owusu in the 68th minute. Kotoko huffed and puffed but couldn’t bite upfront.
Eleven Wonders, in 69th minute, replaced Salifu Cisse with Kwamena Emmanuel, who could’ve cancelled Kotoko’s solitary lead in the 71st minute, when he was put through by Alfred Opoku. However, Kotoko’s young goalie, Danlad Ibrahim expertly denied with a beautiful save.
The major talking point in the second half remained Owusu Benjamin of Eleven Wonders’ late minute penalty. He was brought down in the box in time added-on but the referee signaled play on to the disappointment of the newly promoted Ghana Premier League side.
Kotoko will now face Dreams FC on Wednesday. Eleven Wonders will play Aduana stars.