A late penalty by returnee defender Samuel Abeiku Ainooson handed Kumasi Asante Kotoko all three points against Bechem United at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Kotoko dominated vast parts of the game but their former striker Ahmed Toure threatened to scupper their plans on a couple of occassion but he was kept at bay by the centre-back pairing of Abeiku Ainooson and Ahmed Adams.
Goalkeeper Felix Annan saved Kotoko from conceding early in the second half, repelling Yaw Arnol's strike from inside the box. It was Amed Toure who teed up his strike partner.
On the other hand Kotoko continued to fluff their chances. Ollenu put Sarfo Gyamfi through on goal but the latter failed to connect much to the dismay of fans.
Coach Zdravko Lugarusic desperate to get full spoils brought on striker Kwame Boateng and Baba Mahama and it paid off in the 82nd minutes as Boateng set up Emmanuel Gyamfi but the latter was fouled in the box which was adjudged a penalty.
Defender Abeiku Ainoonson converted with aplomb to decide the feisty clash in favor of Kotoko.
Kotoko with 7 points move to second on the table, two points behind leaders Aduana Stars.