Asante Kotoko striker Franck Mbella dominated headlines in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday as he netted a hat-trick in his sides 3-0 victory over rivals Ashanti Gold in matchday 12 fixture at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.

The Cameroonian set the stadium alive in the second half with a stunning hat-trick to ensure a convincing win for the Porcupine Warriors. The win puts Kotoko at the apex of the League table. Thierry Mbella opened his goal account in the 55th minute when he converted a penalty kick.

The referee whistled for a spot kick after a defender of AshantiGold dived to intercept Etouga’s goal bound header with his hand. The Cameroonian stood up to the task and slotted home calmly for the first goal of the match.

Etouga doubled the lead for Kotoko in the 67th minute after taking advantage of a defensive error to smash home before completing a hat-trick five minutes later after connecting a low cross from the inside of the box to seal the three points for the hosts.

The Porcupine Warriors have now registered their eighth win of the season.

By virtue of the results, Kotoko are top of the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League table, three points more than second placed Aduana Stars, and with a game in hand.

Meanwhile, the Miners moved to the relegation zone – sitting third from bottom.