Asante Kotoko saw their Ghana Premier League title hopes take a significant hit after slipping to a 2-1 defeat at home to FC Samartex on Tuesday.
The fixture, played at the Baba Yara Stadium, resumed after heavy rains forced a postponement of the original game on Monday.
Samartex seized control in the second half, with Christian Boateng breaking the deadlock in the 54th minute. The visitors tightened their grip on the contest late on when Emmanuel Mammah doubled their advantage with just six minutes remaining.
Kotoko were handed a lifeline in stoppage time after Elvis Kyei-Baffuor was fouled inside the box, a challenge that resulted in a red card for Samartex midfielder Samed Kyei.
However, captain Samba O’neil failed to convert from the spot before Albert Amoah pulled one back late on.
The result lifts Samartex to seventh place on 41 points after 28 matches, while Kotoko remain fourth with 43 points, trailing leaders Bibiani Gold Stars by eight points.
Kotoko will look to bounce back when they travel to face Medeama SC, while Samartex host Berekum Chelsea in Matchday 29 fixtures this weekend.
