Kotoko pip Aduana to clinch inaugural GHALCA G6 title

Asante Kotoko were crowned champions of the inaugural GHALCA G6 competition following a 1-0 win over Aduana Stars on Sunday in Sekondi.

The lone goal scored by Burkinabe Halipha Sedogo in the 47th minute was enough to see the Porcupine Warriors walk away with the giant trophy at stake.

Both teams came into the final match having won their respective groups.

Kotoko beat Berekum Chelsea 3-1 in their first match played on Friday and drew 1-1 with AshantiGold on Saturday to emerge winners of Group B while Aduana Stars drew goalless with Hearts of Oak on Thursday before thrashing SC Medeama 3-0 on Saturday afternoon to top Group A.

Coincidentally, both Aduana and Kotoko had players gunning for the goal king award with Yahaya Mohammed and Kwame Boateng on two goals each. Unfortunately, none of them scored in the final game.

Aduana Stars made a couple of changes to the team that walloped Medeama on Saturday.

The likes of Yahaya Mohammed and Richard Mpong were dropped to the bench, an action the coach must be regretting now looking at the impact of the duo when they later came on in the second half.

Coach Michael Osei of Kotoko maintained the same team that drew 1-1 with AshGold.

The game, as expected commenced on a high note with both teams getting at each other. Indeed, it was a lively game by all standards as the fans cheered every move by both teams.

The game was two minutes old when Aduana Stars were awarded a penalty after Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Ofori Antwi was adjudged to have fouled Daniel Darkwa in the penalty box.

Captain Godfred Saka elected himself to take the kick, but his shot was parried away by Kotoko goalkeeper Ofori Antwi, much to the delight of the Kotoko fans.

The game sprung into life since then with end-to-end action from both teams.

Asante Kotoko were forced into making their first substitution of the day in the 32nd minute after striker Kwame Boateng who got injured earlier, was replaced by Michael Yeboah.

It looked like a blow to the Kotoko team judging from his qualities as a striker and that fact that he was gunning for the goal king award, but the quality of the Kotoko team made it impossible to see that he wasnt part of the game.

The first half ended goalless.

Back from recess, both teams continued from where they left off, with Kotoko slightly on top in terms of ball possession. And it came as little surprise when they scored the first goal of the game, an action that later turned out to be the match-winner.

Halipha Sedogo received a pass from Elvis Amoh and the Burkinabe international raced into the Aduana Stars penalty box. He was met by s a stiff challenge by defender Yakubu Mohammed and both players were shrugged each other for the ball as they both fell to the ground. Centre referee Issaka Afful whistled for a penalty an action the Aduana players protested, but the referee stood his grounds.

Halipha Sedogo picked himself up and took the kick, sending goalkeeper Joseph Addo the wrong way. 1-0 to Kotoko with 47 minutes played.

Kotoko then picked up the momentum and piled more pressure on Aduana who were by then in sixes and sevens. On one of such occasions defender, Yakubu Mohammed was given a yellow card as he hacked down Kotoko’s Stephen Nyarko in a one on one situation.

Aduana then brought on Yahaya Mohammed for Sam Adams in the 55th minute and followed it up with another change in the 66th minute as Richard Mpong came on for Elvis Opoku. Maxwell Frimpong also made way for Sampson Boampong Wirekoh in the 82nd minute.

Kotoko also came up with their own substitution in the 72nd minute. Reagan Gyeda came on for the goal scorer Halipha Sedogo. Mandela Azeko also came on for Elvis Amoh.

It was a nervy end to the game as Aduana Stars threw more men forward in search of the equalizer, one that will force the game into penalties. But try as they did they couldn’t gert the goal the wanted.

Kotoko pip Aduana to clinch inaugural GHALCA G6 title