AshantiGold Thrash Kotoko 4-1

AshantiGold bashed defending league champions Kumasi Asante Kotoko 4-1 in their crunch Zone A encounter at the Len Clay Stadium which sent the entire Obuasi township into unrestrained joy.

Two glorious goals from Cameroonian import Valentine Atem and one each by diminutive Ofosu Amoah and substitute Awudu Ronaldo made victory certain for AshantiGold.

Ironically, it was Kotoko, which drew the first blood from an Aziz Ansah's well-taken spot kick after he had been brought down in the "18" by Tony Baffoe in the 23rd minute.

But the Miners cancelled the lead before half time on 43rd minute also through a penalty kick by Atem.

After recess, Amoah took on the seemingly hypnotized Kotoko defenders- believed to have been caused by some rituals performed by a lame man in the goal post of Kotoko during the break - to increase the score line to two in the 62nd minute.

Kotoko's woes were later worsened in the game when Aflao-based referee Frank Fudzi red-carded Kotoko's midfield hero Yusif Chibsah for a reckless tackle.

Amoah who was a torn in the flesh of the Kotoko defence nearly scored his personal second but George Owu parried his curling shot. Owu who was being fielded for the first time after recovering from injury put up some dramatic saves especially in the 78th minute when he pushed Shaibu Yakubu's terrific drive to corner.

Substitute Ronaldo who came on for George Eranio in the 66th minute made it three when he beautifully completed a two-man move between Atem and Shaibu.

Atem was on hand to complete the demolishing exercise after going through a forest of legs before beating helpless Owu.