Kumasi Asante Kotoko defeated continental rivals Asec Mimosas of Cote D’ Ivoire by a lone goal to win the MTN Otumfuo Cup at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, on Sunday.
In a battle of equals, which saw action swinging from one end of the pitch to the other, it was striker Stephen Nyarko whose glancing header separated the two sides and secured the much needed victory for Kotoko.
This was after 29 minutes of action with no goal from each, as Nyarko connected a cross from Kwame Boahene in the 30th minute, with Asec’s keeper Sylla Mamadou having no answer to the header.
Nyarko was rewarded with a Samsung 6 Plus from headline sponsors MTN, for his efforts.
The striker however had to pave way for Emmanuel Gyamfi before the 45th minute mark after picking up an injury.
The game remained locked after the goal as each side battle for either another goal or an equalizer.
Both sides came closer on several occasions but none was able to hit the back of the net till the close of the 90th minute.
Asec’s Sako Oumar was adjudged the best defender for the day, with Traore Benne Adama emerging as the Best Player of the match.
The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, aided by Mr. Isaac Asiamah, the Minister of Youth and Sports, officials of headline sponsors MTN, together with other chiefs presented the trophy to skipper Felix Annan.