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A second-half penalty by Justice Blay gave Kumasi Asante Kotoko a lone-goal victory over Karela United on Matchday 18 in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday, January 26.

The Porcupine Warriors were seeking to close in on leaders Bibiani Gold Stars SC but got more than they sought after the Miners fell 1-0 to Legon Cities at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

Kotoko had struggled to beat Karela last season but began the 2024/25 season on a flying note with a vital 1-0 win at the Naa Sheriga Sports Center.

Asante Kotoko beat Karela Utd in flying start to 2024/25 GPL

The same scoreline played out at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in the start of the second round after captain of the day, Blay, converted from the spot in the 63rd minute.

This was a couple of minutes after Baba Yahaya was brought down in the box.

The win gave Asante Kotoko 34 points, one more than Gold Stars and Heart of Lions, who beat Aduana FC 2-0 in the reverse fixture of that controversial game that saw Head Coach Bashir Hayford charged by the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

While Kotoko will travel to Nsoatreman to face under-fire coach Yaw Preko’s side, Karela will return to Tamale to await Berekum Chelsea.

Unfortunately for the Northern Region side, Cities’ win over Gold Stars sees them drop to the bottom of the League.