The Porcupine Warriors came from a two-goal down to defeat the lower-tier side to record a 4-2 win in their first pre-season game ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Reigning Ghana Premier League champions Asante Kotoko commenced their preseason exercise with a victory over Panthers FC at the Legon Park in Accra.
Coach Abdulai Gazeli handed starting role to Cameroonian goalkeeper Pouately, left back Thomas Pele, and Ugandan forward Steven Mukwala.
Stephen Amankona, trialist Ernest Osei Poku, Andul Ganiyu, Richard Boadu, Christopher Nettey, Richard Lamptey and Isaac Oppong were all handed starting berth.
Panthers FC – a second division outfit – scored twice early in the game but failed to maintain their shape as Kotoko rallied from behind to secure a victory.
Winger Stephen Amankona reduced the deficit after brilliantly converting a spot-kick awarded to Asante Kotoko after going two nil down at the Legon 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
