Justice Blay's Penalty Powers Kotoko to Victory and League Summit

Justice Blay's Penalty Powers Kotoko to Victory and League Summit

  • Asante Kotoko have claimed the top spot in the Ghana Premier League, capitalizing on their impressive form as the second round of the season kicked off
  • Kotoko’s captain, Justice Blay, delivered the decisive moment, converting a crucial penalty to secure a vital victory over a struggling Karela United side
  • After recording the win over Karela, the Porcupine Warriors will hope to add Nsoatreman FC to their victim list

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Asante Kotoko extended their impressive revival with a determined 1-0 victory over Karela United at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Captain Justice Blay converted a crucial second-half penalty to secure the win, lifting Kotoko to the summit of the league table.

Justice Blay's Penalty Powers Kotoko to Victory and League Summit
Justice Blay's penalty powers Asante Kotoko to victory and League summit. Photo: @ghanaballers.
Source: Twitter

The Porcupine Warriors had a rocky start to the season, failing to win any of their first five matches and suffering four straight defeats, prompting many to write off their title hopes.

However, Kotoko staged a remarkable turnaround, winning six of their last seven matches to climb back to the top of the league standings.

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In Sunday’s encounter, Kotoko controlled 57% of possession but found it difficult to penetrate Karela United’s stubborn defence, per Myjoyonline.

Despite creating six goal-scoring opportunities, only two efforts were on target, reflecting the tightly contested nature of the game.

The breakthrough came when Baba Yahaya was fouled in the box, allowing Justice Blay to step up and convert the decisive penalty, capitalizing on yet another defensive lapse from Karela.

Karela United’s struggles persist, leaving them anchored at the bottom of the league table. With just one shot on target and minimal attacking opportunities, the team faces an urgent need for improvement to escape the looming threat of relegation.

Ex-Kotoko star hails team's improvement

After the match, former Kotoko midfielder William Tiero did not hold back in praising the Porcupine Warriors, asserting their dominance in the league.

He told YEN.com.gh:

"Asante Kotoko is undoubtedly the best club in the Ghana Premier League".

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"The quality of football they are playing is unmatched, and it’s a joy to watch them dominate games with such confidence and flair.
"Credit must go to Coach Prosper Ogum for the incredible work he has done. Despite the tough start to the season, he remained calm and focused, and his vision is now clear for everyone to see.
"Transforming a team that was struggling into one that now sits confidently at the top of the table is no small feat. He has instilled discipline, belief, and a winning mentality in the squad, and that has made all the difference."

What's next for Kotoko?

Kotoko, now sitting one point clear at the top, will look to sustain their momentum in their upcoming clash against Nsoatreman, per Livescore.

Meanwhile, Karela, desperate for a turnaround, will host Berekum Chelsea in a crucial fixture.

This victory highlights Kotoko’s resilience and renewed determination to mount a serious title challenge, effectively silencing critics who doubted their potential earlier in the season.

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New Kotoko player compares himself to Marcelo

Meanwhile, Kumasi Asante Kotoko's newest recruit, Kwasi Asante has likened his style of play with Real Madrid and Brazil legend Marcelo.

Asante joined the Porcupine Warriors in the January transfer window on an 18-month contract following his return to Ghana.

The left-back arrives with enormous experience, having featured for Guinean giants Haifa FC and Tanzanian side Simba FC.

He is expected to play a pivotal role in Kotoko's campaign as they eye the Ghana Premier League title.

According to Asante, fans of the Kumasi-based giants should expect a Marcelo-type football from him. The Brazilian is regarded as one of the best left-backs of all-time.

"I play like Marcelo. I have experience and I promise to do my best to make the fans proud. The fans should just be patient," he told the club's media, as sighted on social media.

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Kotoko sign Daniel Adjetey

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko have completed the signing of former Nania FC defender Daniel Adrian Adjetey.

The right-back joins the Porcupine Warriors after returning to the country following spells in Denmark and Latvia.

Adjetey is seen as replacement for the injured Emmanuel Kotei, who is out for the rest of the season.

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Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Isaac Darko avatar

Isaac Darko (Sports Editor) Isaac Darko is a Sports Editor at Yen, boasting over 10 years of experience in the media industry. He has produced award-winning TV shows such as "Football 360" and "Sports XTRA" on ViaSat 1/Kwese TV. Isaac began his career as an Assistant Producer at TV3 Ghana Limited (Media General) and also contributed as a Writer and Weekend Editor for Pulse Ghana. He earned his bachelor's degree in Communication Studies from the Ghana Institute of Journalism (now University of Media, Arts and Communication). Email: isaac.darko@sportsbrief.com.