Swedru All Blacks secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Asante Kotoko at the Swedru Stadium on Saturday afternoon in their Matchday Six encounter, with a late penalty proving decisive.
Asante Kotoko entered the game seeking revenge after suffering two defeats against the same opponents last season. However, the Porcupine Warriors were unable to get the better of the home side, who claimed all three points in front of their supporters.
The first half produced an entertaining contest, with both teams showing attacking intent. The first clear opportunity arrived in the 20th minute when All Blacks’ William Danquah unleashed a long-range effort from about 25 yards. However, his strike lacked the necessary direction and failed to trouble the Kotoko goalkeeper.
Three minutes later, Asante Kotoko midfielder Hubert Gyau had a promising opportunity inside the All Blacks half but sent his effort over the crossbar.
Swedru All Blacks gradually took control of possession and created several promising openings, but they struggled to convert their dominance into goals as Kotoko remained disciplined and resolute at the back.
Despite the home side’s attacking pressure, neither team managed to find the breakthrough before the half-time whistle.
The second half resumed with greater intensity as Swedru All Blacks continued to press forward in search of the opening goal.
All Blacks forward Eric Dankwah Wiafe was particularly impressive, repeatedly troubling the Kotoko defence with his movement and attacking runs. However, he was unable to find the back of the net during open play.
Faisal Charwetey also caused problems for the visitors’ defenders with his attacking contributions, but the home side continued to waste opportunities as the match entered its closing stages.
Just when the encounter appeared destined to end in a goalless draw, the decisive moment arrived. All Blacks player Vincent Junior Baah was brought down inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to point to the spot.
Eric Wiafe Danquah stepped up and calmly converted the penalty in the closing minutes to send the home supporters into celebration and hand Swedru All Blacks a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
The late strike proved enough to secure all three points for Swedru All Blacks, while Asante Kotoko were left to rue their missed opportunities in a closely contested Matchday Six encounter.
By: Emmanuel Opoku – Journalist