GPL Review: Asante Kotoko 1-0 Bechem United; Ganiyu leads Porcupine Warriors to perfect start in dream homecoming

It was a dream homecoming for Asante Kotoko as they downed a spirited Bechem United side on Sunday.

The Ghana Premier League match week 2 fixture was Kotoko’s first home league game at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for over a year after the facility was closed down for renovation works.

The home side came into the encounter with confidence very high following their opening victory of the season against Dreams FC.

The first half of the encounter was very cagey and chances were far and few between.

One of the key moments were when a defensive error let in Bechem United attacker Emmanuel Avornyoh on goal. The striker however aimed a tame effort at goal and was comfortably saved by Kotoko goalie Razak Abalora.

Back from recess, the encounter remained as it was for large parts of the game until a game changing substitution by Kotoko Coach Prosper Narteh-Ogoom.

One of the second half substitutes Isaac Oppong continued from where he left off in the last game. The youngster impacted the game by winning a penalty in the 86th minute when he was brought down in the box after racing clear on goal.

Up stepped Ismail Ganiyu and the Kotoko captain made no mistake by colly dispatching the spot Kick into the net.

Bechem United sensing the game was lost threw caution to the wind and surged forward to fetch an equalizer.

Their eagerness to push high left spaces at their back and Kotoko capitalized.

Asante Kotoko left back, Imoro Ibrahim latched on to a Bechem clearance on the left and sent in a sweet cross. The floater was met with a peach of a header by new recruit Samuel Boateng to double Kotoko’s lead.

This was in added on time and took away any glimmer of hope left in the visitors.

The game eventually ended 2 nil in Kotoko’s favor as they now move top of the League standings on 6 points.

Coach Prosper Narteh-Ogum’s side had made a perfect start to the campaign, recording wins in their first two games.

For Bechem United, this was their first loss of the season and will want to go back home and prepare for their next assignment.