Kotoko Thrash Nations FC 3-0 to Boost Title Hopes
Asante Kotoko produced a commanding performance to brush aside Nations FC 3-0 at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, reigniting their Ghana Premier League title ambitions.
The Porcupine Warriors, under pressure after a string of inconsistent results, showed urgency and composure as they dominated their city rivals in a one-sided derby encounter in Kumasi.
Albert Amoah opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, rising above his markers to power home a header and hand Kotoko a deserved first-half lead.
Coach Prince Yaw Owusu’s side maintained control after the break, displaying improved attacking cohesion and discipline as they kept Nations FC at bay while searching for additional goals.
Kotoko eventually put the game to rest late on. Baba Yahaha was fouled in the box in the 80th minute, and captain Samba O’Neil calmly converted the resulting penalty to double the advantage.
In stoppage time, Morifing Donzo added further gloss to the scoreline after winning and converting another penalty, sealing an emphatic victory for the hosts.
The win moves Kotoko up to third on the league table, six points behind leaders Bibiani GoldStars, with eight matches remaining in the campaign.
Sunday’s clash, which doubled as a city and regional derby, also saw Kotoko secure their first-ever Ghana Premier League victory over Nations FC since the latter gained promotion five seasons ago.
Before this encounter, Kotoko had struggled against their rivals, recording three defeats and two draws, with Nations FC winning three of those matches and the rest ending in stalemates.
Kotoko will next face Aduana FC in Dormaa in what promises to be another tough fixture, while Nations FC will aim to bounce back when they host Berekum Chelsea at the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Stadium in Abrankese.
