Asante Kotoko SC began their 2024/25 season with a hard-fought 1-0 win against long-time rivals Karela United FC at the Naa Sheriga Sports Centre in Nareligu. The victory not only gave the Porcupine Warriors their first three points of the season but also ended a frustrating seven-game winless streak against Karela.
The decisive moment came in the 37th minute, as new signing Albert Amoah made an immediate impact on his debut. Amoah scored the match’s only goal with a powerful shot from inside the box that crashed off the underside of the crossbar, leaving Karela goalkeeper Mohammed Ganiu helpless.
Kotoko’s recent signings were pivotal in securing the win. Congolese defender Samba O’Neil and Sudanese left-back Esmat Abdulhamid made solid debuts, strengthening the team’s defense. Guinean goalkeeper Mohamed Camara, standing in for the absent Frederick Asare, played a crucial role with several key saves in the second half to keep Karela at bay.
Despite Karela’s second-half surge and pressure on the Kotoko defense, Camara’s standout performance ensured that the Porcupine Warriors held on to their slender lead and claimed a morale-boosting victory to kick off the season.