Wa All Stars 1-0 Kotoko: Ainooson's missed penalty compounds Porcupines woes

Wa All Stars defeated Asante Kotoko 1-0 in matchday 12 of the Ghana Premier League on Sunday at the Malik Jabir Park.

The visitors were led by caretaker coach Godwin Ablordey following the dismissal of Zdravko Lugarusic last week after he went four games without a win. Ablordey made three changes to the starting XI that shared the spoils with Ebusua Dwarfs as Atta Kusi, Tuffour Frimpong and Kwame Boateng replaced Eric Donkor, Frank Sarfo Gyamfi and Yakubu Mohammed.

The hosts, on the other hand, made a single change in the side that shared the spoils goalless against Aduana Stars in an outstanding game on Thursday. Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori replaced suspended Rashid Seidu.

All Stars had the first shot on target by the second minute when Alex Acheampong combined with David Abagna to set up Kwaku Asuandzie but the striker saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Felix Annan.

Kotoko defender Kusi shot wide from a free-kick seven minutes later, after Emmanuel Gyamfi was brought down.

All Stars, after several failed attempts, found the opener on 35th minute through Asuandzie. The striker latched on to a pass from Paul Asare D'Vries and sent in a powerful shot beyond Annan.

Kotoko raised their game in second-half, coming close on several occasions to level the soreline but goalkeeper Ofori stood in between.

The visitors were handed a golden opportunity to equalise on 63rd minute when Boateng was brought down in All Stars' box. However, Abeiku Ainooson fluffed the spot kick.

The defender, who won the game against Bechem in a similar manner, took the ball from regular penalty-taker Amos Frimpong but saw goalkeeper Ofori diving to the right direction to push his effort to a corner kick.

Kotoko brought on Yakubu and Sarfo Gyamfi with 15 minutes remaining to push for at least a draw but the hosts were resilient and held on to victory.

Kotoko have dropped one place to fourth on the log behind fierce rivals Hearts of Oak but tied on 19 points while All Stars move one place up to sixth with 17 points.