KOTOKO WHITEWASH ALL BLACKS (Back Page)

Story: Akwasi Ampratwum-Mensah, Sunyani

KUMASI Asante Kotoko reduced visiting Gamba All Blacks to a mere side at their adopted Sunyani Coronation Park yesterday after whipping them 3-0 in a Onetouch Premier League opener.
In what could be the fastest goal in the first week, Kotoko opened the scoring when midfelder, Daniel Nii Adjei, expertly took a free kick just outside the 18-yard box that beat All Blacks keeper, Isaac Akrong.
In the ninth minute, Kotoko striker, Kwabena Yaro, messed up a bright chance before the visitors took over the game and dictated the pace.
All Blacks kept Kotoko’s goal area boiling but poor marksmanship denied them the equaliser until the 44th minute when Kotoko’s new-found striker, Eric Bekoe, headed home beautifully from Francis Coffie’s cross.
Kotoko’s third goal was classic by all standards and a delight to watch as full back Harrison Afful raced into attack to unleash a 30-yard thunderbolt, which zoomed into the net to the amazement of goalkeeper Akrong and the huge crowd.
The second half began with former Bofoakwa goalkeeper Ransford Cudjoe, replacing Akrong, while good old Emmanuel Osei Kuffour came on for Nii Adjei.