Kotoko came into the fixture in confident mood after three consecutive victories, but they were quickly drawn into a fierce contest by an energetic All Blacks side that showed no sign of intimidation.
From the first whistle, the home team pressed aggressively, stayed compact, and matched Kotoko stride for stride in a contest played with real intensity.
The breakthrough arrived in the 37th minute when centre-back Roland Leveh rose to the occasion, putting Swedru ahead and justifying their bright start. Kotoko responded through Guinean forward Morifing Donzo, who found the net to bring his side back on level terms and momentarily shift the momentum.
That lift was short-lived, however, as Swedru finished the first half strongly. Deep into stoppage time, Rudolf Mensah showed composure in front of goal to restore the hosts’ lead and ignite celebrations in the stands.
The second half maintained its pace, with Swedru All Blacks enjoying slightly more of the ball and creating the clearer chances.
They ended the match with 52 percent possession and 12 goal attempts, 10 of which tested the goalkeeper. Kotoko, despite registering 10 shots themselves, found it difficult to sustain pressure.
The result sees Kotoko remain third in the standings, now four points adrift of the summit, and facing the need for a quick rebound against Berekum Chelsea.
For Swedru All Blacks, the victory brings renewed belief, eases the heat on their Egyptian coach, and could prove to be the spark that reshapes their campaign moving forward.
