Asante Kotoko SC faced Aduana FC in a league encounter at Nana Agyemang Badu Park on 24 November 2024, with the match kicking off at 3:00pm. The visitors emerged victorious, securing a 2-0 win, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity throughout the contest.
Asante Kotoko adopted a 4-2-1-3 formation, designed to balance defensive stability with attacking flair. Mohamed Camara stood firm in goal, while a back four comprised of Lord Amoah and Patrick Asiedu as the right and left defenders, respectively, flanked central defenders Joseph Ablorh and Samba O’niel. In midfield, Andrews Ntim Manu and Justice Blay operated as central midfielders, providing both defensive cover and support for the attacking trio. Baba Yahaya played as the attacking midfielder, linking play between midfield and the forwards, while Saaka Dauda and Wisdom Fernando occupied the right and left forward positions, with Albert Amoah leading the line as the striker. The substitutes for the match were Elvis Kyei Baffour, Emmanuel Antwi, Samuel Tenadu, and Peter Amidu Acquah.
The match began with an early flashpoint as Baba Yahaya received a yellow card within the first six minutes for an unspecified infringement. Tensions escalated as both teams battled for control, leading to another yellow card being issued shortly after. Asante Kotoko's Patrick Asiedu found himself in the referee's book just before half-time for violent conduct, further intensifying the competitive atmosphere.
The breakthrough came in the 27th minute when Patrick Asiedu redeemed himself by scoring a stunning direct free-kick from outside the box with his left foot, sending the visiting supporters into raptures. This goal set the tone for the remainder of the half, as Asante Kotoko maintained their lead with solid defensive work, denying Aduana FC any clear-cut chances.
As the second half commenced, Aduana FC struggled to find their rhythm, and it was Asante Kotoko who continued to press forward. In the 60th minute, Albert Amoah doubled the lead for the visitors, capitalising on a goalmouth scramble after a well-placed assist from Baba Yahaya. Amoah's right-footed finish from close range left the Aduana defence scrambling and effectively sealed the match for Kotoko.
In a tactical move, Asante Kotoko made their first substitutions in the 71st minute, bringing on Elvis Kyei Baffour for Wisdom Fernando and Emmanuel Antwi for Baba Yahaya, both aimed at maintaining their momentum and freshening up the attack. As the match progressed, Samuel Tenadu replaced Andrews Ntim Manu in the 81st minute, further solidifying their midfield presence.
The final substitution came in the 89th minute when Peter Amidu Acquah took to the field in place of goalscorer Albert Amoah, as Asante Kotoko looked to manage their lead in the closing stages. The referee, Reiginald Collins Amoah, brought the match to a close after 95 minutes, confirming a well-deserved victory for Asante Kotoko SC.
Justice Blay's commanding performance in midfield earned him the accolade of Player of the Match, as he effectively controlled the tempo and distribution throughout the game. Asante Kotoko SC's victory not only boosts their league standing but also showcases their potential as serious contenders in the ongoing season.
