Kumasi Asante Kotoko and Ashantigold SC set themselves new heights in regional rivalry on match day two of the Premier League Wednesday, as the former pummeled their way to a refreshing 3:1 win at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Striker Alex Asamoah who switched camp this season from Ashantigold, was the toast of Kotoko fans as he blasted home the opener and provided an assist for Stephen Manu to put Kotoko up by two goals before the break.

Nana Arhin Duah, who also rejoined Ashantigold from Kotoko this season, pulled a goal for his ‘new’ side, but failed with other opportunities to draw level before Manu buffered Kotoko’s lead with another goal ahead of referee William Agbovi’s final whistle.

On Sunday, a 10-man Ashgold side pipped Kotoko 2:1 in a friendly at the Len Clay Stadium, raising interest in Kotoko’s resolve to reverse the results. What added to the drama were two personalities associated with the two clubs; Herbert Mensah and German trainer Ernst Middendorp, who together made names for themselves between 1999 and 2002 as managers of Kotoko.

As fate would have it, Herbert now leads Ashgold as Chief Executive while Ernst was lead actor on the Ashgold technical bench as guest substitute coach for Momcilo Medic, who was reported to have fallen ill last week.

The final result sent Kotoko fans onto the streets as they rejoiced over the prospects of retaining the league title.

In Tamale, RTU pipped Sekondi Hasaaccas 2:1, while Berekum Chelsea accounted for their fellow premiership debutants St. Mirren 1:0 at the Sunayni Coronation Park.

Wa All Stars handed Liberty Professionals their second successive loss in as many games, beating them by two goals to nil. Tema Youth also subdued King Faisal 2:1 at Tema, just as Eleven Wise accounted for All Blacks by the same margin.

Accra Hearts of Oak recovered from a Berekum Arsenals early goal fetched by good old Osei Bonsu to finish the day 2:1 at the Ohene Djan Stadium and move to top spot on the league table, while Heart of Lions sent Kessben FC packing with a 2:0 win.


Story Isaac Yeboah