Asante Kotoko edged past visiting Berekum Chelsea 2-0 in their Glo-Premier League Day 19 fixture at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Wednesday.
The Porcupine Warriors, who suffered a 0-2 defeat at the hands of the visitors at Berekum in the first round, sought to avenge the painful loss and went all out to achieve their mission.
Seidu Bansi, nearly punished Chelsea in the first minute with an unexpected long-range shot which was saved by goalkeeper Iddrisu Abubakar.
Motivated by this, Kotoko mounted incessant pressure on the visitors and took the lead through Micky Ofosu in six minute after Richard Mpong let go an inviting cross for the former to net home.
Kofi Nti Boakye nearly increased the tally for Kotoko, however, his 19th minute strike hit the post to the relief of the visitors.
Chelsea, at this stage, varied their game, resorting more to counter-attack which nearly yielded dividends as Bismark Idan broke away from his marker, pounced on a pass from the midfield and unleashed a thunderbolt in the 30th minute, only to miss target narrowly.
The losers resumed the second half with determination, but just as they were warming themselves into the game, Abdul Rasheed was sent off for a dangerous tackle Ofosu in the 47th minute.
Chelsea however braved the situation and came close to scoring in the 55th, 61st and 70th minutes but to no avail only for Nti Boakye to solidify Kotoko's lead in the 58th minute.
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