Asante Kotoko were made to sweat as they needed a late goal to defeat Real Tamale United 2-1 in the Glo Premier League on Saturday in Obuasi.
The Porcupine Warriors, who were beaten 2-1 in the Kumasi derby on Wednesday by King Faisal are now four points behind the top.
Substitute Michael Akuffu scored the match winner in the 86th minute to lift the defending champions to fourth on the table.
Kotoko drew first blood at the Len Clay Stadium in their match-day-18 fixture through striker Seidu Bansi after 14 minutes.
And the goal separated both sides into the break.
After recess, RTU, bottom on the log upped their game and succeeded in drawing level in the 63rd minute from a penalty.
Mohammed Aminu sent goalkeeper Isaac Amoako the wrong way to restore parity.
But with the scoreline coasting towards a draw, Akuffu was on hand to further deepen the woes of a winless RTU, when he struck the winner.