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Defending champions, Asante Kotoko, fought gallantly to beat visiting Bechem United 2-1in their First Capital Plus Premier League match-day 20 encounter at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi, on Sunday.

The match looked destined for a draw until the Porcupine Warriors were awarded a penalty in the 85th minute, following a sloppy goalkeeping by Rasheed Seidu.

Ivorian import, Ahmed Toure, who was fouled in the vital area, converted the spot kick to win the day for the Porcupine Warriors and also increase his goal tally to 11.

Bechem goalie Seidu had all the opportunity to clear the ball, but surprisingly hesitated for Toure to catch up with him and realizing danger looming, the goalkeeper brought down the striker for a penalty.

It was Kotoko who drew first blood through Daudu Mohammed in the 17thminute when he nodded home an in-swinger from Atta Kusi.

Prior to the goal, the Porcupine Warriors had piled up incessant pressure on their opponents and came close to scoring in the seventh and tenth minutes, but lack of precision upfront would deny them.

Bechem United fought from all angles to redeem the goal, and it was not until the 63rd minute that their efforts were rewarded, snatching the equalizer courtesy Aminu Mohammed.

The visitors maintained their composure after the equalizer, putting good pieces together, but goalie Seidu dashed their hopes, allowing the Porcupine Warriors to profit from his sloppy goalkeeping