Asante Kotoko Battle Back to Secure Vital Point Against Samartex
Asante Kotoko showed resilience to come from behind and earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw against defending champions Samartex in an intense showdown at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The result keeps the Porcupine Warriors at the top of the Ghana Premier League standings, but their position remains under threat, with closest rivals just a point behind.
The hosts drew first blood in the 39th minute when Dramani Awuah unleashed a thunderous low shot past the Kotoko goalkeeper. Samartex, determined to avenge their 1-0 defeat to Kotoko earlier this season, dominated possession in the first half, restricting their opponents’ attacking movements.
Kotoko returned from the break with a renewed sense of urgency and began to apply pressure. Their persistence was rewarded when Kwame Opoku found the back of the net with a well-taken finish to level the score.
Kwame Opoku’s equalizer marked his sixth goal of the season, reinforcing his importance to Kotoko, particularly in second-half performances.
Despite the stalemate, Kotoko remain at the top, just one point ahead of Bibiani GoldStars, who could leapfrog them if they defeat Aduana Stars in Dormaa on Sunday. Meanwhile, Samartex remain ninth, far off the pace, as their bid to defend the league title continues to falter.
