Asante Kotoko captain Samba O’Neil scored a 96th-minute equalizer to salvage a 2-2 draw against rivals Medeama SC at the Babayara sports Stadium.
The result sees Medeama remain second on the table, while Kotoko stay within touching distance of the top four.
The match, a classic encounter between two sides was a tale of two halves, defined by tactics, individual errors, and an amazing finish to the game.
From the start of the game, Medeama had a game plan, absorbing early pressure and exploiting Kotoko’s defensive line with swift counter attacks.
Their strategy yielded an early reward in the 5th minute. Derrick Fordjour, finding space on the edge of the penalty area to score Medeama’s first goal.
Kotoko responded with Peter Amidu Acquah came close to an immediate equalizer, his powerful strike from an Inusah Adams cross hitting the woodwork in the 12th minute.
However, Kotoko’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed once more just three minutes later.
Captain Samba O’Neil was adjudged to have fouled Prince Owusu inside the penalty area. Mubarik Yussif stepped up and converted the resulting spot-kick doubling Medeama’s advantage.
Despite creating several clear opportunities, including a miss from Kwame Opoku that struck the crossbar in added time, the Porcupine Warriors failed to convert their dominance into goals.
In the second half Medeama were deep in their own half, ceding possession to Kotoko
Kotoko controlled the game dominating possession but struggled for penetration against Medeama’s backline.
The persistent pressure finally resulted in the 61st minute with Peter Amidu Acquah where he connected with a cut back to fire past Medeama’s goalkeeper, Felix Kyei.
In one final attack a cross delivered from the right flank found O’Neil, who rose above his marker to head the ball into the net.
While history backs Kotoko, Medeama have established themselves as force, making these encounters a keenly contested game.
The statistics from the match underscore Kotoko’s dominance making them the favourites.
Final Score: Asante Kotoko 2-2 Medeama SC
The result leaves Medeama SC in second place with 23 points, while Asante Kotoko moves to fifth, just two points behind the league leaders. The head-to-head record between the two sides continues to favor Kotoko, who have now won 14 of their matches, compared to Medeama’s 4, with 8 matches ending in a draw. On average, these fixtures produce 1.77 goals per match.