Kumasi Asante Kotoko returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Young Apostles in their Match Week Seven encounter of the 2026-27 Ghana Premier League (GPL) at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.

The Porcupines, who lost against Swedru All Blacks last week, were eager to secure all three points to improve their position on the league table and delivered before their home supporters.

The opening exchanges were evenly contested, with both sides struggling to establish dominance and create meaningful scoring opportunities.

Kotoko, however, came close to breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute when a swift transition from defence to attack culminated in a powerful strike from just outside the penalty area, forcing Young Apostles goalkeeper Osman Wahabu to produce an impressive save.

The home side continued to search for an opening but struggled to penetrate the visitors’ defence, with the game lacking clear-cut chances and attacking intensity.

Kotoko made two changes at the start of the second half, introducing Fuseini Walid and Hubert Gyau to strengthen their attack.

The changes almost paid off five minutes after the restart when Gyau dribbled past several defenders but sent his effort narrowly wide of the target.

The Porcupines subsequently increased the pressure, pushing Young Apostles deep into their own half with a series of attacking moves.

The visitors, however, gradually pushed forward to ease the pressure on them and prevent the home side from taking the lead.

Kotoko eventually broke the deadlock in the 70th minute when Gyau connected home a cutback from Patrick Asiedu following a swift build-up down the left flank.

The opening goal lifted the home side, who continued to press for a second to consolidate their advantage, but Young Apostles remained resolute at the back, repelling several attacks.

Kotoko’s persistence eventually paid off when substitute Solomon Osaah doubled the lead with a well-taken finish.

Osaah, who had replaced the injured Emmanuel Mammah in the 23rd minute, capitalised on the excellent work of Emmanuel Sanja, who broke into the penalty area from the right flank before setting him up to score.

Young Apostles, however, refused to give up and pulled a goal back through Iddrissu Huziaf two minutes into added time.

The late goal proved insufficient to deny Kotoko victory, as the Porcupines held on to secure the maximum points.

The win provides a timely boost for Kotoko as they seek to regain consistency in the league.