Ghana Premier League leaders Asante Kotoko were handed a rude awakening by relegation fodder Elmina Sharks as they stunned Kotoko with a rare win on Monday afternoon.

A controversial penalty was converted by Alhaji Mustapha to hand the beleaguered side their first victory in a long while in the league.

The reds began the game in a dominant fashion as Frank Etouga Mbella reminded everyone of his talents as he sent a fizzling strike goalwards but it was tipped wide by the Sharks goalie Joseph Essam.

Elmina Sharks the home side also came in strongly but barely threatened the away side with Alhaji Mustapha sending a shot wide after a good opening.

Dickson Afoakwa finally broke the deadlock for the porcupine Warriors after connecting home an assist from Frank Mbella Etouga to make it 1-0 in the 39th minute.

Elmina Sharks did not let their heads drop as they pulled parity three minutes later as Ebenezer Adu-Kwaw headed home Alhaji Mustapha's cross to make it 1-1.

After recess, Elmina Sharks pushed for the winner but Kotoko were resolute at the back until around the hour mark when the referee controversially awarded the host a penalty after adjudging the ball to have struck the arms of Dickson Afoakwa from a cross.

Replays showed the ball barely struck his hands but it was rather his belly but referee Abdulai Ibrahim pointed to the spot.

Danlad Ibrahim saved the spot kick but the assistant referee waved his flag that the young goalie was off the line when the ball was kicked.

Imoro Ibrahim was shown a red card for his wild protest after the referee awarded Sharks the penalty as Kotoko played with ten men.

The penalty was retaken and this time Alhaji Mustapha made no mistake as he gave his side a 2-1 lead for the first time in the game.

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