Asante Kotoko are in the round of 16 of the MTN FA Cup after beating Kumasi based division two side, Acceler8z FC 2:0 in their round of 32 encounter at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Two goals from Kwame Poku and Henry Ansu in either half was all the Porcupine Warriors needed to secure a place in the next stage of the competition.
Two goals from Kwame Poku and Henry Ansu in either half was all the Porcupine Warriors needed to secure a place in the next stage of the competition.
As nine times champions and a premier league side, many fans expected Kotoko to run over their opponents, but they needed additional time to put the game to bed in a match full of suspense.
Despite going ahead in the 42nd minute, Kotoko struggled to put the game beyond a team in the wilderness, leaving their fans to sit on tenterhooks for most part of the match until Ansu dashed any hope of a come-back for their opponents six minutes into injury time.
The first few minutes did not portray a match between a premier league side and a second-tier team in terms of performance as both teams demonstrated their attacking intents.
Despite taking control of the game after the 10th minute, the Porcupines were not as sharp as their opponents who looked more dangerous anytime they surged forward.
Coach Prosper Nartey Ogum made seven changes to his team that played against Medeama in Takwa last week, handing young goalkeeper Fatao Seidu his debut for the club this season.
Acceler8z FC grew in confidence as the match entered the 20th minute with Kotoko having little to show for their dominance.
They created a couple of nervous moments in the goal area of Kotoko and were unlucky not to have hit the back of the net at some point.
But it was Asante Kotoko who stole the lead from a spot kick after Saaka Dauda was fouled in the box.
It was a long pass from Joseph Abloh which saw Dauda dashing behind his maker to control the ball, and as he made his way into the box he ran into the onrushing goalkeeper of Acceler8z FC, leaving the referee no choice but to point towards the spot for a penalty.
Kwame Poku who stepped up to take the kick beautifully converted to record his third goal in three matches since his return to the club in the second transfer window.
A spirited fight back from the lower tier side did not change the results as Kotoko went into the break with their slender lead.
The second half resumed with Kotoko exhibiting a strong determination to seal victory with a second goal as they raided the half of Acceler8z FC with Kwame Poku leading the onslaughts.
Just as the first half, Acceler8z FC who were playing as the home team, found their rhythm after the first 10 minutes, giving Kotoko a good run for their money with a much improved performance.
They kept their composure as underdogs but proved to be tough customers for the premier league giants who are seeking their 10th trophy in the competition.
Having kept Kotoko at bay for 45 minutes in the second half, Acceler8z FC threw caution to the wind for the additional eight minutes as they surged forward in droves for the crucial equaliser.
But it was Kotoko who benefitted from the long additional time after scoring their second through Henry Ansu to progress to the next stage of the competition.
GNA
