Kotoko beat Pillars 4:3 on aggregate and thus qualify for the next round
KUMASI ASANTE Kotoko produced a splendid display by beating Kano Pillars 2-0 to progress to the next stage of the Africa Champions League with a 4-3 aggregate.
With the progression, Kotoko who are two-time Africa champions would now face Tunisian giants, Étoile du Sahel, at the next stage of the elimination series of the competition.
Playing in an almost packed-to-capacity Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi yesterday, Kotoko, who lost 2-3 in the first leg in Nigeria, opened fire on their opponents from the blast of the whistle.
Kotoko’s early pressure yielded dividend in the fourth minute when Kevin Andoh tapped home from a rebound.
The stadium came to life after the early goal as the Red Army’s supporters started chanting “Fabulous, fabulous”.
Shortly after the early goal, Nabi Keita, who was on fire throughout the game, was unlucky as his solo effort missed the target by few inches, with the Pillars keeper clearly beaten.
After the 30th minute mark, Kotoko’s dominance, especially in midfield, diminished and so, Pillars came into the picture. Danger man Rabin Ali tormented the Kotoko defence but he failed to snatch the equaliser.
Right after the break, Kotoko seized the midfield once again and probed for a second goal to ensure qualification but Nabi Keita’s goal from close range was ruled offside by the referee.
Justice Blay passed the ball to Richard Arthur, who delivered a cross into the Pillars goal area, Nabi Keita then used his chest to set the ball for Emmanuel Gyamfi to score with a thunderbolt to make it 2-0.
Backed by the massive support from the stands, Kotoko resorted to ball possession play to keep their opponents at bay until the match officials brought the contest to a close, with Kotoko two goals lead intact.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr.,
Kumasi