Asante Kotoko’s push for the league title has taken a significant hit following a 2–1 home defeat to F.C. Samartex.
The match, played on Tuesday morning, was a continuation of a fixture that had been abandoned the previous day due to heavy rains. Despite the restart, Kotoko struggled to find rhythm and were punished by a clinical Samartex side.
The visitors broke the deadlock in the 54th minute through Christian Boateng, who capitalised on a lapse in Kotoko’s defence. With the home side pushing for an equaliser, Samartex doubled their advantage late in the game when Emmanuel Mammah found the back of the net to put the result beyond doubt.
Kotoko were handed a lifeline moments before full time when Elvis Kyei-Baffuor was fouled in the penalty area, leading to a spot-kick and a red card for Samartex’s Samed Kyei. However, captain Samba O’Neil failed to convert the penalty, compounding the home side’s frustrations.
Albert Amoah eventually pulled one back in stoppage time, but the goal proved to be only a consolation as Samartex held on to secure all three points.
The defeat marks Kotoko’s fifth home loss of the season, a worrying statistic for a side with championship ambitions. The result leaves them fourth on the table with 43 points, trailing league leaders Bibiani Gold Stars by eight points.
For Samartex, the victory boosts their campaign as they climb to seventh place with 41 points after 28 matches, reinforcing their status as a competitive force in the league.
