Accra, June 5, GNA – Franck Mbella Etouga scored a stunning goal for Asante Kotoko as they secured maximum points against Accra Great Olympics in a match-day 32 encounter of 2021/22 Ghana Premier League played at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The Cameroonian striker took his tally for the season to 21 goals, one goal ahead of Ashantigold SC’s Yaw Annor (20) with two matches to end the season.
With the Premier League title already won, the Porcupine Warriors extended their lead to 10 points ahead of Bechem United.
The start of the first half witnessed some attacking exchanges, but it was Great Olympics striker Maxwell Quaye who came close in the 17th minute, but Kotoko goalkeeper Kwame Baah pulled off a brilliant save.
Great Olympics striker Quaye was very lively up front and once again tested goalkeeper Kwame Baah with a power drive, but he dealt with the threat.
It was all Great Olympics in terms of chances created in the first half and Sulley Ibrahim should have struck his side in front, but his effort from close range found the side net.
The first half ended goalless.
Kotoko looked like a more rejuvenated side at the start of the second half as they pressed for the opener.
Kotoko defender Maxwell Agyemang came close with a header in the 66th minute which narrowly flew past the crossbar.
But Kotoko finally got the breakthrough when Mbella delivered a superb strike just outside the penalty box to beat Seidu Ismalia at the Great Olympics goal post.
Great Olympics were stunned by Mbella’s strike as they began to mount pressure on the Kotoko defence in search of the equalizer.
Substitute Richard Kwasi Nathan came very close to pulling parity for Great Olympics but Kwame Baah was equal to the task once again.
The Kotoko players, despite the late surge of pressure from Great Olympics, held on to secure all three points at the end of the game.
Simon Asare
