Ghana’s sole representatives in the CAF Champions League Kumasi Asante Kotoko yesterday kept hopes alive when they beat their Moroccan counterparts Ittihad Khemisset 3-1 at the Essipon Stadium in Sekondi.
Jordan Opoku, Stephen Oduro and Alex Asamoah emerged the heroes of the day with their strikes which will inspire the Porcupine Warriors in the crucial second leg in Morocco.
Kotoko who dominated the exchanges failed to convert many of the numerous chances created by Samuel Inkoom after he had beaten a Moroccan on the right and centred for somebody to connect home.
The Kumasi lads took over the game as soon as referee Coulibaly Komma of Mali urged the two teams into action and right on the 10th minute mark, Jordan Opoku opened the scores for the Ghanaians. But the stadium was brought to a dead silence when the Moroccans came to level terms with a brilliant strike by Hicham El Fatthi.
With trouble starring at them, Kotoko redoubled their efforts but continued to waste glorious opportunities as the Moroccans showed greater resistance to end the first half at 1-1. The Ghanaian champions continued their dominace and on the 46th minute Oduro restored their lead with a clinical finish.
The visitors nearly pulled the goal back but their dangerman Hicham El Fathi’s goalbound shot was cleared on the line.
Khemisset nearly converted a free kick from the center but was well pushed to corner by the able hands of goalkeeper Sulemana Abdulai on the 58th minute.
Kotoko with their dominance created many chances but Fredrick Quayson, Opoku and Inkoom missed narrowly compelling Coach Opeele Boateng to pull Quayson out for Alex Asamoah who announced his presence with a superb goal on the 89th minute amidst wild jubilation in the stands.
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