A Fabio Gama second-half penalty settled the tie for Asante Kotoko in their game against Karela United.
The Porcupines hosted the Aiyinase based team at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium on matchday 30 of the Ghana Premier League.
At the end of 90 minutes, it was coach Mariano Barreto's side that picked the maximum points to reclaim the top spot from Hearts of Oak.
They are now on 56 points, 3 points above their rivals who play Legon Cities on Thursday.
Following an opening cagey 20 minutes, the Porcupines broke the deadlock of the match courtesy captain of the side Emmanuel Gyamfi.
Emmanuel Gyamfi finishes off a well time pass from Fabio Gama.
— Ghana Leagues Goals (@GHLeagueGoals) June 23, 2021
Asante Kotoko 1️⃣
Karela United 0️⃣ pic.twitter.com/fbYCs5bO8n
Barreto's side held unto the lead until halftime.
Karela United restored parity after the recess through Richard Berko. However, any hopes of the visitors picking a point at Len Clay were dashed as Kotoko were awarded a penalty.
Richard Bekoe level for Karela at the Len Clay Stadium.
— Ghana Leagues Goals (@GHLeagueGoals) June 23, 2021
It's Kotoko 1-1 Karela pic.twitter.com/FW3w2tvU7G
Brazilian international, Fabio Gama elected himself for the kick and made no mistake as he sent the keeper the wrong way to score his fourth goal of the season.
Fabio Game scores from the spot kick to restore Kotoko’s lead. 2-1 they lead Karela pic.twitter.com/hNuOJbrfHD
— Ghana Leagues Goals (@GHLeagueGoals) June 23, 2021
This is the second time Kotoko have beaten Karela United this season.
The Porcupines in February on matchday 13 of the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League made history by becoming the first team to end Karela United's home unbeaten run
The Anyinase based club have for the past 5-years been invincible at the Cosby Awuah Memorial Park but interim Coach Johnson Smith and his charges halted their run on February 7, 2021.
Strikes from Imoro Ibrahim and Kwame Opoku getting on the scoresheet either side of the half to saw the Reds run away with a 2-0 win.
Results
Kotoko 2-1 Karela United
Chelsea 2-1 Elmina Sharks
Dreams 2-1 Eleven Wonders
Great Olympics 1-0 Bechem United
WAFA 3-2 Aduana Stars