Asante Kotoko returned to winning ways yesterday with a slim 1-0 win over struggling Inter Allies at the Accra Sports Stadium in their match day 12 mid–week fixture.
Following a hard earned point against Ashgold SC in their previous encounter, the Porcupine Warriors travelled back to Kumasi all smiles after Naby Keita’s 67th minute penalty kick deepened the woes of Inter Allies.
Inter Allies goalkeeper Gideon Ahenkorah was the hero in the first half following his brilliant saves to deny Kotoko the opener.
After 12 minutes of action, Ibrahim Yaro saw his decent drive saved by Gideon Ahenkorah as the home side kept pushing for the opener.
The visitors made two quick substitutions, bringing on Emmanuel Adjetey and Mohammed Zakari for Shaibu Toufiq and Desmond Abuga respectively before referee Ba Daey ended the first half with no goal.
Kotoko kept pressing for the opener and their efforts paid off on the 67th minute.
Forward Naby Keita stepped up to convert from the penalty spot to hand Kotoko the lead after Kwame Opoku was brought down in the penalty box.
With 20 minutes to play, goal scorer Keita made way for Mudashiru Salifu while Augustine Okrah came on for Latif Anabilla, respectively.
Richmond Lamptey with his long drive missed narrowly as Inter Allies responded minutes later.
Despite the late rally by Allies, it was Kwame Opoku who nearly doubled the lead for Kotoko but goalkeeper Ahenkorah went to their rescue with another decent save.
It was the visitors who saw the best opportunities but failed to make them count as Kotoko snatched all three points to keep their title hopes alive.
BY LINUS SIAW NARTEY