GPL 24/25: Legon Cities stun Kotoko to record first win of the season

Asante Kotoko’s unbeaten start to the season ended on Wednesday night, following a 2-1 loss to Legon Cities.

Substitute Rahim Yaya Abdul scored the match-winner with a delicate flick from close range on the cusp of full-time.

Cities, without a win before Wednesday night’s encounter, made two changes to the team that last to Berekum Chelsea on Sunday.

Coach Paa Kwesi Pabin introduced Nasiru Sumaila and Dennis Adoma for Rauf Alidu and Fatau Ganiyu respectively.

Kotoko coach Prosper Narteh Ogum responded with three changes; Andrews Ntim Manu returned to the starting line-up to face his former club after missing Sunday’s match against Basake Holy Stars.

Dauda Saaka and Peter Amidu returned to the starting line-up instead of Patrick Asiedu, Lord Amoah, and Kyei Dwamena, respectively.

Kotoko forward Dauda Saka surges forward, in one of many attempts on the night

Right from kick-off, the home team took the game to the visitors, with some pressing from the front and playing with a lot of energy.

Midway through the first half, Albert Yeboah opened the scoring with a sublime finish from just outside the penalty area. Kotoko goalkeeper Frederick Asare was caught unaware of Yeboah’s strike, reacting late as a result.

Not even the goal could jolt a slumbering Kotoko team back into action, as they struggled to find rhythm and cohesiveness.

Kotoko’s main threats Emmanuel Antwi and Dauda Saaka, struggled to influence the match as they were heavily policed by Cities and were often left with no real options to combine with.

In the 39th minute, Antwi broke free and sent in a teasing low-cross but there was no one in green and gold (Kotoko’s colors on the night) to connect.

At half time, Ogum made three changes in a bid to save what had been a woeful performance.

In search of more resilience and industry from the flanks, full-backs Justice Blay and Samuel Tenadu were hooked for Lord Amoah and Patrick Asiedu. Ogum also introduced Michael Kyei, a central midfielder, for Peter Amidu.

Ogum’s changes appeared to have resuscitated his side as they began to respond to Legon Cities’ intensity.

Six minutes after the restart, Amoah found the back of the net but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Samuel Tenedu (Kotoko) is blocked off by Mohammed Alidu as Cities goal scorer Albert Yeboah tries to find a teammate with a pass

Cities coach Paa Kwesi Fabin responded with two substitutions by introducing Williams Adjei and Rahim Yaya Abdul for Ismael Amoah and Adoma Denise.

In the 73rd minute, Albert Amoah scored from the penalty spot, after Joseph Amoah handled the ball inside the penalty area. Amoah has now scored in four consecutive league matches and has five goals in total.

Cities regained control of the game, pouring more men forward in a desperate attempt to record their first win of the season.

With time running out, substitute Rahman Yaya Abdul sneaked in behind Joseph Ablorh and Lord Amoah to apply a delicate flick to score the match-winner. It was a goal worth its weight in gold.

As Yaya and the Royals wheeled away in celebration, Kotoko’s men, clad in gold, sunk to the green turf in disappointment and heartbreak.

With five points, Legon Cities are now 17th on the 18-team league table after eight matches.

Cities will be at home for their next league match versus Premier League new boys, Young Apostles.

Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko, who face Kpando Heart of Lions on Sunday, remains in second position with 15 points.