Asante Kotoko ended their two-match losing streak with a slender 1-0 win over AshantiGold in the Ashanti Classic derby to pull away from the drop.
Winger Frank Sarfo Gyamfi’s 25th minute header turned out to be the match clincher in a match in which Kotoko squandered plenitude of scoring opportunities.
Kotoko needed to punch above their weight and reverse the trend of two straight defeats against Berekum Chelsea and WAFA.
The Porcupine Warriors lined up with their top scorer Amed Toure likewise AshGold who missed the services of striker Yakubu Mohammed- both have raked in ten goals.
AshGold were aggressive and had a vibrant midfield marshaled by Kadri Mohammed and Eric Opoku in the middle with support from wingers Amos Addai and Francis Adjei.
But Kotoko looked quiet sharper upfront with Dauda Mohammed leading the line, he made AshGold’s defenders over work.
From one of those raids, the visitors conceded a corner and Eric Donkor whipped in with his cultured left foot and Gyamfi- left unmarked- headed in to beat goalkeeper Fatau Dauda.
AshGold were not bottled and they mount a strong challenge for the equalizer but were not malicious upfront.
Midfielder Mohammed came close when his free-kick smashed the woodwork.
AshantiGold dominated the second half in the opening ten minutes and when Kotoko turned on the style, the Miners wobbled miserably.
It was the agility of goalkeeper Dauda who prevented AshGold from conceded more goals.
He raked up five quality saves including a top class fingertip save to deny striker Dauda Mohamed.
Occasionally AshGold scared Kotoko on the break and perhaps Adjei was unlucky to see his effort come off the side post.
Kotoko are now in good stead to face perennial rivals Hearts of Oak next Sunday in the Ghana Premier League derby.