Kotoko through to next stage of Confederations Cup competition

Kumasi Asante Kotoko progressed to the next stage of the Confederation Cup Competition, with a 2-1 victory over Kariobangi Sharks of Kenya, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Saturday.

With a goalless draw game in the first leg in Kenya, a week ago, the tables were clear for both sides, with no field advantage for any side, aside Kotoko’s home advantage.

In a game that, Kotoko cannot afford to fail their fans and the entire nation, by doing the needful with a victory to ensure their progress to the next stage.

Fatawu Abdul Safiu fetched the opening goal for Kotoko in the 17th minute, when he won a ball from Geofrey Lemo, dribbled past another defender, before shooting into the corner of the post.

This was after Maxwell Baakoh’s shot from outside the penalty missed target in the 9th minute.

Sharks equalised in the 29th minute, through Katila Omoto with a powerful drive outside the penalty box, few minutes after Emmanuel Gyamfi, was brought down in the vital area of the Kenyans, but he was denied the penalty.

With one all, at this stage, it was obvious Kotoko were in for a battle of their lives, as the result could see the East Africans progressed at the expense of Kotoko.

The much sought after lead, by Kotoko was realised in the 39th minute, when Amos Frimpong converted a penalty for them, after Songne Yacouba was brought down in the penalty area.

Keeper Brian Bwire, had no answer to the kick by Frimpong, as Kotoko stuck to the lead throughout the first half and the second half to ensure progress.

Both sides made attempts at goal, but failed as Yacouba, could not convert Gyamfi’s set up in the 68th minute.

Felix Annan, had to rescue Kotoko in the 84th minute as he dived to palm away a goal bound opportunity and was subsequently given a yellow card in the 91st minute for wasting time, but it was enough to see them to the next stage.

Source: GNA