Title chasers Asante Kotoko conceded their first away loss in the Ghana Premier League this season after a 1-0 defeat to Elmina Sharks at the Nduom Sports Stadium on Friday.

A second-half strike from Mustapha Alhaji secured Sharks their first win under new coach Odartey Lamptey, who replaced Yaw Acheampong last week.

It is also Elmina Sharks first win since matchday 10, ending their six-game winless run.

Kotoko experienced a quicker start to the game. Kwame Opoku released Emmanuel Sarkodie with a good pass inside 10 minutes but the shot was off target.

Kwame Opoku was in the thick of things once again and this time went agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 22nd minute. He intercepted a back pass and skipped past the goalkeeper before shooting the ball which was eventually cleared off the line.

Despite dominating in the first half, the Porcupine Warriors failed to find the net.

They were made to pay before the hour mark. Elmina Sharks started a counter-attack which was expertly finished by Alhaji Mustapha.

Kotoko went on the offensive in search of the equalizer after the setback, however, their finishing was lacking.

Elmina Sharks are now 13th on the log while Kotoko remain sixth on the table, four points adrift of leaders Karela United. Kotoko, though have two outstanding games.

Earlier on Friday, Inter Allies and AshantiGold shared the spoils 1-1 at the Accra Sports Stadium.