Asante Kotoko put up a fiery first half performance to obliterate Nkana FC 3-0 at home and boost their qualification bid in Group C of the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Porcupine Warriors were quick out of their blocks and striker Abdul Fatawu Safiu whipped in a free kick to the near post which beat goalkeeper Allan Chibwe.
In the 24th minute, Emmanuel Gyamfi connected home a rebound after Daniel Darkwah's powerful cross from the left came off the upright and back into play.
The ball dropped in front of the winger and he directed it into the twine to double the lead but picked up an injury in the process which ended his contribution.
Kotoko coach CK Akonnor had to shuffle his cards and brought in Kwame Boahene.
Two minutes later, Martin Antwi powerfully struck a free-kick from the right flank with his left foot, which flew over the goalkeeper into the net.
Player ratings in the big win over Nkana below-
Felix Annan 7/10- Wasn't much tested in the first half but made a couple of important saves in the second half. His timely intervention early in the second half prevented Nkana of grabbing a consolation.
Augustine Sefa 6.5/10- Solid in defence, provided little upfront. Made sure he kept Freddy Tshimenga quiet on the left.
Daniel Darkwa 7.5/10- Making his first appearance in the group stages. The left back impressed and created the second goal after a magnificent run on the left.
Ismael Ganiu 7/10- Solid once again. Less errors this time and was confident playing aside Wahab Adams.
Wahab Adams 8/10- Fantastic performance from the strong defender who was making his first appearance for the Reds in the group stages. Provided the calmness needed and was a threat from set pieces. Nearly grabbed a goal after his header was parried off line by the Nkana goalkeeper.
Umar Bashiru 7/10- Grown in confidence and won important midfield battles. Gave the simple passes and ensured Kotoko controlled possession anytime he held the ball.
Emmanuel Gyemfi 6.5/10- Scored the important second goal but limped off afterwards. His runs on the flanks caused some troubles to the Nkana defence. He was replaced in the 23rd minute by Kwame Boahene.
Kwame Bonsu 8.5/10- Phenomenal performance once again from the midfielder. Bossed the midfielder and was difficult to dispossess. Set up some dangerous passes. Easily Man of the Match.
Sogne Yacouba 7/10- Did not score but caused troubles for Nkana defenders. Had to force a booking out of defender Moses Nyodho.
Abdul Shafiu Fatawu 8/10- Set the game on fire with his fourth minute strike. Coul have doubled the lead with another fine effort which was saved by the Nkana goalkeeper. Stretched the Nkana defence and connected well with Sogne Yacouba.
Martin Antwin 7/10- Scored a stunner. Could contend for a Pukasz award but was mostly silent in the second half and had to be replaced by Stephen Nyarko.
Substitutes:
Kwame Boahene 6/10 - Nearly fetched Asante Kotoko a penalty in the second half. Tireless worker on the right and helped defensively.
Stephen Nyarko 5/10- In a less fiery second half. Stephen Nyarko has less to do but helped in keeping the result at 3-0 with the Porcupine Warriors not conceding.
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