Aduana Stars rallied to maintain the status quo as they crucified champions Asante Kotoko 1-0 at the Agyeman-Badu Park in Dormaa Ahenkro in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.
Striker Richard Arhin claimed the maximum points from the tie for the Fire Club with a clinical finish in the 10th minute and Kotoko could not recover from the early blow.
Kotoko's assembly in the line-up was a straight signal of their intentions to end Aduana's home dominance over the Porcupine Warriors with Burkina Faso international Ahmed Toure leading the attacking line and supported by Obed Owusu.
Experienced midfielder Jordan Opoku was accompanied by Michael Akuffo and Richard Mpong.
Aduana Stars coach Kwabena Ameyaw countered Didi Dramani's intent by naming 2014 FIFA World Cup Ghana goalkeeper Stephen Adams in goal and playing Godfred Saka.
Former Hearts of Oak striker James Abban was also in the line-up.
Kotoko tried to stamp their authority in the game but Aduana stood their grounds and forced Kotoko back though Ahmed Toure remained a big threat for their defence until the end.
Arhin's goal was a goal with his signature, oozing free in the Kotoko backline and getting the better off Abeiku Ainooson before finishing calmly.