ASANTE Kotoko started their Premier League campaign in earnest last Saturday,defeating Berekum Chelsea 1-0 at the Golden City Park to end a 15-year winless run in Berekum.
Striker, Albert Amoah, was the hero of the afternoon, pouncing on a loose ball midway through the second half and firing a low shot past goalkeeper, Emmanuel Adu, to hand the Porcupine Warriors a historic victory.
15-year jinx
The win was Kotoko's first away victory against Chelsea since 2010, beating a jinx that had turned into a psychological hurdle for the Porcupine Warriors.
Chelsea and coach Samuel Boadu had gone into the match confident of extending their dominance at home over Kotoko.
KUMASI Asante Kotoko started their Premier League campaign in style last Saturday,defeating Berekum Chelsea 1-0 at the Golden City Park to end a 15-year unbeaten run in Berekum.
Striker, Albert Amoah, was the hero of the day, pouncing on a loose ball in the middle of the second half and unleashing a low shot into the net past goalkeeper, Emmanuel Adu, to secure a landmark victory for the Porcupine Warriors.
15-year jinx
The Porcupine Warriors secured their first away win against Chelsea since 2010, overcoming a jinx that had become a psychological hurdle for Kotoko.
Chelsea, coached by Samuel Boadu, had gone into the match looking to maintain their home dominance over Kotoko.
They enjoyed decent spells of possession but were unable to break down the visitors' obstinate and organized defense.
The Porcupine Warriors defended with resolve, maintaining their shape and restricting Chelsea to half-chances.
The hosts made a late push for an equaliser, but poor finishing and Kotoko's defensive solidity ensured the scoreline remained intact.
Kotoko coach Abdul-Karim Zito, who will be taking charge of Kotoko in both local and international games, will view this win as a timely confidence booster for his team ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round encounter with Nigeria's Kwara United on September 21.
For Chelsea, the loss at home will be painful, but they will need to bounce back in time as they travel to face newly promoted Swedru All Blacks in their subsequent league match.