Kotoko's Away Woes Deepen as Late Berekum Chelsea Strike Seals 2-1 Defeat

Asante Kotoko's search for a first away win of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season continues after the Porcupine Warriors suffered a late 2-1 collapse against Berekum Chelsea on Sunday, extending a worrying road record that now stands at two defeats and three draws from five away matches.

Kotoko had appeared on course for at least a point at the Golden City Park after Inusah Adam converted a 59th-minute penalty, awarded for a foul in the Chelsea box, to give the visitors the lead. But the advantage lasted just six minutes. Former Kotoko player Zakaria Fuseini drew Chelsea level in the 65th minute, throwing the game into the balance .

Just when the Porcupine Warriors seemed to have secured a share of the spoils, Yussif Bayanalabe struck late to hand the home side all three points, condemning Kotoko to a defeat that leaves them 10th on the league table with 13 points from 10 matches. Berekum Chelsea climb to ninth with 14 points .

The result comes on the back of contrasting form. Chelsea had lost 2-0 to Aduana FC at Dormaa in their previous outing, while Kotoko were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Medeama SC. The Kumasi giants have now won just three of their opening 10 fixtures, a return that will intensify scrutiny on the technical bench .

A Broader Pattern of Away Struggles

Kotoko's away record this season reads five matches, three draws and two defeats — a points-per-game rate of 0.6 on the road that stands in stark contrast to their home form. The Porcupine Warriors have historically been one of the strongest travelling sides in Ghanaian football, but the current campaign has exposed a fragility that opponents are beginning to exploit.

The late concession against Chelsea is emblematic of a wider problem: Kotoko have now dropped points in the final 25 minutes of away matches on multiple occasions this season, suggesting either a fitness issue or a concentration deficit that coach and staff will need to address.

The defeat also carries historical weight. Kotoko and Berekum Chelsea share a competitive rivalry that has produced notable encounters over the years, and the Golden City Park has proven a difficult venue for the Porcupine Warriors in recent seasons.

What Next

Kotoko will look to bounce back when they host GoldStars on matchday 11 at the Baba Yara Stadium, where their form has been considerably stronger. Chelsea, meanwhile, travel to Swedru to face All Blacks, seeking to build on a result that lifts them above their more decorated opponents in the standings.

For Kotoko, the gap to the top of the table is already widening. With 13 points from 10 games, the Porcupine Warriors are 10 points adrift of the league leaders — a margin that, if it persists, will complicate their ambitions of reclaiming the title. The away form must improve, and quickly.