Sudanese champions Al Hilal defeated Kumasi Asante Kotoko in the CAF Champions League game on Wednesday at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Al Hilal coach Zoran Manojlović came with a tactical game plan and it worked to perfection as his pipped the Porcupine Warriors at their own backyard by a goal to nothing.
The first clear chance of the day fell to Mohammed Yussif in the 9th minute as connected beautifully to an Eid Eldin’s pass but his effort missed target narrowly to the relieve of Kotoko goalkeeper Razak Abalora.
Kotoko came into the game briefly with Imoro Ibrahim making some surging runs but it was Williams Opoku Mensah who had clear chance in the Sudanese box in the 20th minute but he was indecisive as the ball was taken away from him.
It took a piece of masterclass defending from Kotoko centre back Wahab Adams as he blocked a goal-bound shot from Waleed Bekhet to keep the scores at goalless with six minutes to recess.
The second half begun with the Sudanese capturing the midfield and forcing the Kotoko players to retreat again as they tried to play on the counter.
Coach Johnson Smith brought on Sulley Muniru, Osman Mohammed and Naby Keita for Emmanuel Gyamfi, Godfred Asiamah and Kwame Poku respectively as the “Reds” tightened their midfield in a flat 4:4:2 formation.
The Sudanese who were getting behind the Kotoko back four took the lead in the 77th minute through Vinny Bongonga who coolly tabbed a pass from Mohammed Quatarra beyond the reach of Razak Abalora.
After the goal, Al Hilal recoiled into their shells and defended gallantly until the referee blew his whistle for the end of the game.
