A first-half Stephen Nyarko goal was enough for Kumasi Asante Kotoko to beat continental rivals Asec Mimosas of Cote D’ Ivoire by a lone goal to win the MTN Otumfuo Cup at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, on Sunday.
Stephen Nyarko connected well to head home from Kwabena Boahene’s cross in the 30th minute to separate the two in a match that was fiercely contested in honour of the 20th anniversary of His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The game, which saw the Ivorian counterparts showing much energy and tenacity in search of an equalizer proved futile as Black Stars goalie Felix Annan proved difficult to beat.
The porcupine warriors held on to the slim lead to end the first half, after goal scorer Stephen Nyarko made way for Emmanuel Gyamfi through injury in the 45th-minute mark. There were high momentum and exhibition of skills from both teams but the game still remained locked after Nyarko’s first-half goal. There were some nervy moments for the porcupine warriors as Asec probed more for an equalizer but their final finishing remained poor as they failed to Both to find the back of the net
till the final whistle was blown.
Asec’s Sako Oumar was adjudged the best defender for the day, with Traore Benne Adama emerging as the Best Player of the match. The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, aided by Mr Isaac Asiamah, the Minister of Youth and Sports, officials of headline sponsors MTN, together with other chiefs presented the trophy to skipper Felix Annan.
By Emmanuel Asante Attakora