Coach Abdul Karim Zito showed no mercy against his former club as he led Asante Kotoko to a resounding 4-1 victory over Dreams FC in their Ghana Premier League encounter at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium yesterday.

The emphatic win keeps Kotoko firmly in the race for the league title with just three matches remaining in the season.

Kotoko started strongly and took the lead in the 17th minute through in-form striker Albert Amoah, who converted from close range to send the home fans into raptures. 

However, his time on the pitch was cut short after he picked up a knock and was replaced by Kyei Baffour.

Dreams FC responded with some attacking intent and came close to scoring from a corner kick, but failed to capitalise.

Kotoko swiftly turned defence into attack, punishing their opponents with a counter-attack that ended with Kwame Opoku, who doubled the lead before halftime.

Dreams FC's goal

The visitors pulled one back six minutes after the break through Jonathan Nemorden, giving Dreams FC a glimmer of hope. 

But it proved short-lived, as Opoku struck again—this time delightfully chipping the ball over goalkeeper Richmond Ayi, after being set up by substitute Baffour. That goal completed Opoku’s brace and brought his season tally to 10 goals.

Coach Zito made a tactical switch in the 66th minute, bringing on Wisdom Fernando and Kyei Dwamena for Saaka Dauda and Baba Yahaya.

The changes paid immediate dividends as Fernando scored Kotoko’s fourth goal just five minutes later to put the result beyond doubt.

Kotoko kept up the pressure, with Baffour narrowly missing the target in the 79th minute with an ambitious strike. 

Moments later, Emmanuel Asiedu won a free kick from a dangerous area, and his effort forced the Dreams goalkeeper, Ayi,  to tip it over for a corner.