Kumasi Asante Kotoko has kicked off their pre-season campaign with a convincing win over lower side, Panthers FC at the Legon Park in Accra on Monday morning.
Interim coach of the side, Abdulai Gazeli fielded Cameroonian goalkeeper Pouately, left back Thomas Pele, and Ugandan forward Steven Mukwala.
Stephen Amankona, Ernest Osei Poku, Andul Ganiyu, Richard Boadu, Christopher Nettey, Richard Lamptey, and Isaac Oppong were all handed starting berth.
Panthers FC scored twice early in the game but failed to maintain their shape as the Ghana Premier League champions rallied from behind to secure a victory.
Stephen Amankona reduced the deficit after brilliantly converting a spot-kick awarded to Asante Kotoko after going two nil down at tegon Park.
Trialist Ernest Osei Poku who has been training with Kotoko pulled parity with a strike from 25 yards to end the first half in a 2-2 stalemate.
Ugandan striker Steven Mukwala who showed great positioning and awareness skills netted Kotoko’s third goal to end the first half.
After recess, Kotoko introduced a new set of players.
Goalkeeper Frederick Asare, Samuel Appiah, Yusif Mubarik, Emmanuel Sarkodie, Enoch Morrison, Sarfo Taylor, Samuel Boateng, and Dickson Afoakwa started the second half.
After several exchanges and fluffed opportunities, Afoakwa snatched Kotoko’s fourth goal with a powerful header from a cross delivered into the 18-yard box by Augustine Agyapong.
Asante Kotoko are expected to leave the shores of the in the coming days to continue their pre-season in Turkey ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The Porcupine Warriors will represent the country in the 2022/23 CAF Champions League and will also open their title defense with a home game against Nsoatreman FC.
Source: Modern Ghana
