Kotoko Fight Back to Hold Aduana FC in Thrilling 1–1 Draw at Baba Yara Stadium
Asante Kotoko maintained their unbeaten start to the Ghana Premier League after coming from behind to secure a 1–1 draw against Aduana FC at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Aduana began the match brightly and took the lead in the 6th minute when Emmanuel Marfo reacted quickest to a loose ball, slotting home after Kotoko goalkeeper Dari Aziz failed to deal with an initial effort. With first-choice goalkeeper Mohammed Camara away on international duty with Guinea, Aziz was handed the starting role, and the visitors capitalised on the early vulnerability.
The goal stunned the home crowd, leaving the Porcupine Warriors struggling to settle in the opening stages. Aduana believed they should have been awarded a penalty midway through the first half after one of their attackers was brought down in the 18-yard box, but the referee waved play on, to the surprise of many fans at the stadium.
Kotoko gradually found their rhythm, especially after the introduction of diminutive midfielder Baba Yahaya, who replaced Samuel Tenadu and injected energy into their play. The hosts were rewarded shortly before halftime when Lord Amoah unleashed a thunderous strike into the left side of the net, igniting the stadium and shifting momentum.
Both sides returned from the break determined to snatch a winner. Kotoko pressed higher and created several promising chances, while Aduana’s defence remained resolute, blocking every attempt to regain the lead.
In the end, neither team could find the decisive goal, and the match ended in a 1–1 stalemate.
The result extends Kotoko’s unbeaten run and keeps them sixth on the league log with two outstanding matches to play. Aduana, despite stretching their own unbeaten streak to six games, drop from first to third after failing to secure maximum points in Kumasi.
Kotoko will aim to return to winning ways when they take on Young Apostles in midweek.
