Isaac Opoku Agyemang’s fourth-minute goal proved decisive as Asante Kotoko secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Karela United on Thursday to return to winning ways in the Premier League.

Kotoko made the perfect start when Opoku Agyemang calmly converted a well-worked team move, finishing neatly from a cutback from Emmanuel Sanja to give the hosts an early advantage.

The goal provided an immediate response to Kotoko’s 2-0 defeat to Aduana FC in their last Premier League match and gave them a platform to control the contest.

Karela United, however, refused to fold and grew into the game as the match progressed. The visitors were particularly impressive after the break, dominating spells of possession and creating several promising chances in search of an equaliser.

Despite Karela’s sustained second-half pressure, Kotoko held firm until the final whistle to claim a valuable three points.

The victory lifts Asante Kotoko into third place in the Ghana Premier League standings, although their position could change when the remaining fixtures are played over the weekend.