Bechem United won their first game of the 2022–23 campaign after barely defeating Kotoku Royals FC, who had just been promoted, in the Ghana Premier League.
Bechem needed a win over the Royals after losing their previous two league games to Great Olympics and Bibiani Goldstars.
On Sunday afternoon at Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, the Hunters defeated the Akyem Royals 1-0.
Despite the absence of Samuel Osei Kuffour, Aaron Essel, and Clinton Duodu, who are with the Ghana U23 team, Kassim Mingle Ocansey picked a very strong starting lineup.
Ocansey gave Cephas Kofi Mantey a full debut after he had a strong preseason with the team and scored four goals in the GHALCA G6 competition.
Abdul Latif Anabila was replaced by Cameroonian midfielder Gabriel Yapy Tenlep, who was given the opportunity to make his Bechem debut.
Bechem possessed the most of ball possession and had several excellent scoring opportunities in the first half, but they were unable to score.
When Mantey scored his first goal of the season in the 52nd minute, the Hunters’ second-half transformation and domination paid off.
The Hunters collected their first points of the year thanks to Mantey’s goal in the second half of the matchday four contest.
The Royals have suffered back-to-back road losses and will be looking to rebound in the following round.