Asante Kotoko thrashed Kotoku Royals 5-1 in Ghana Premier League week 14 fixture at the Kumasi Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Sunday late kickoff.
After parading a strong starting eleven, the champions were clear favourite over the bottomers. Captain Richard Boadu was missing in action handing Sheriff Mohammed the opportunity in defensive midfield along with Richard Lamptey and Enoch Morrison in other midfield roles.
Kotoko started strongly taking the lead 10 minutes after kickoff after Lamptey finishing in the roof of the net. A well calculated and uninterrupted team movement from Eric Serge Zeze to George Mfegue at the right flank before the Cameroonian International found Lamptey at the far side saw the Ghanaian slotted beyond Kotoku Royals goalkeeper.
Kotoko doubled their lead 10 minutes later after Mukwala converted from the spot. He was fouled in the box by the opposing goalkeeper. Kotoko were convincing during this process but the host pulled one back after former player Andy Kumi who had beat the defense to a through ball chipped in from a tight right angle.
Steven Mukwala extended Asante Kotoko’s two-goal lead slotting to the right roof of the net from inside the box after the visitors failed to clear a danger launched by Morrison.
Much improved Asante Kotoko took total control of the game and had numerical advantage when ever they go on attack. Kotoku Royals were confused with the attacking system of the home side after many of their players entering the box than usual and previous game.
Their attack had found unmarked Eric Serge Zeze in the box as the Ivorian attacking midfielder finished below Royals shot-stopper to send the score line to 4-1 at Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Spirited Asante Kotoko pushed in a very dominant performance even late in the game and grabbed the fifth goal with second half substitute Solomon Sarfo Taylor tapping home from his own rebound.
His initial header into the net was save just on the line by the Royals goalkeeper before the forward reacted quicker to tap home.
Asante Kotoko now trail league leaders Aduana Stars by a point as the champions push to defend their Ghana Premier League.
