Asante Kotoko lost yet again at home as they conceded a first half goal to lose 1-0 to Nations FC on Matchday 23 of the Ghana Premier League.
Asamoah Boateng Afriyie scored the match winner inside 45 minutes to give his side all the spoils at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Asante Kotoko went into the game looking for their first win since Friday, March 1, when they pip Bibiani Gold Stars at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The Porcupine Warriors have endured a very difficult spell in the second half of the campaign following defeats to Heart of Lions, Karela United, Accra Lions and Aduana FC.
Dr. Prosper Narteh-Ogum named a starting lineup that comprised Moise Pouaty, Richmond Lamptey, Justice Blay and Isaac Oppong as they missed the services of Steven Mukwala to international football.
Kotoko took major steps towards the three points but failed to take their chances as Nations FC shot into the lead, seconds before the half time whistle. Asamoah Boateng Afriyie headed the ball past the Kotoko backline after getting on the end of a sumptuous cross from Emmanuel Boahene in the 45th minute for his 10th goal of the season.
After the interval, Kotoko juggled things around in search of the equalizer but Nations FC stayed calm and composed as they held on to pick their third consecutive win in the Ghana Premier League.
The Abrankese lads are second in the League table with 40 points – two points behind leaders FC Samartex 1996 and 4 points ahead of third placed Aduana FC.
The defeat pins Asante Kotoko in 9th place – level on points (32) with arch rivals Accra Hearts of Oak and 10 points behind leaders FC Samartex with 11 games to end the season.
Elsewhere, Great Olympics were at the scoring best against Aduana Football Club at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The Accra-based side recorded a 4-2 win over the Dormaa-based side to continue their good run of form.
Current league champions, Medeama Sporting Club and Dreams Football Club played out a goalless draw while Berekum Chelsea came from behind to draw 1-1 against Bechem United.
Nsoatreman also fell to a 1-0 defeat to Legon Cities at the Theatre of Dreams in Dawu.
Bofoakwa Tano claimed all three points at home against Karela United.
With their win over Hearts of Oak on Saturday, Samartex Football Club keep their lead at the top of the Ghana Premier League table, two points ahead of Nations FC.
Aduana maintain their third position on the table.
The relegation zone is Bofoakwa Tano, Heart of Lions and Real Tamale United.