Asante Kotoko beat the Ghana Premier League champions by a goal to nil to win the SIC H.P Nyametei SWAG Cup on Sunday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi in the presence of their life patron and owner Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.

Eric Donkor carried his last season’s form into the pre-season by scoring a 90 minute goal to help his side clinch the SWAG Cup for a record 14 time.

The first half was balanced, but Ashgold who have augmented their squad with the inclusion of the Nuhu brothers, Fuseini Nuhu and Alhassan from New Edubiase United were slightly on top in the half.

However, Kotoko managed coil the attacking threats of the Miners and settled for a scoreless draw to end the half.

Coach David Duncan started the game with some new faces, namely Theophilus Nyame, who played the holding midfield role, Stephen Nyarko, Edwin Tuffour Frimpong, Osei Agyemang while the likes of Kwame Boahene, Bennett Ofori came on as substitutes.

The fire power of Ashgold was quenched by Kotoko who came top in the second half and created some decent chances, but their attacking line failed to put the ball past Robert Dabuo in the league champions post.

Coach Bashiru Hayford gambled in the 90 minute by replacing Robert Dabuo with Nana Bonsu to conjure magic for Ashanti Gold should the referee blow his whistle to usher the two sides into penalty shootout to break the tie.

But, it failed to work out for him as Ashgold conceded a free kick, just outside the 18-yard box and the sensational Eric Donkor finished off to beat rusty Nana Bonsu in his first test in the game.

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