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Ghana Premier league heavyweight, Asante Kotoko were beaten in first preseason game against United Arab Emirates lower tier side Al-Hilal United on Thursday morning.
The Porcupines were succumbed to a 1:0 defeat at the Al Hamriyah Sports and Cultural Stadium in Sharjah, a suburb in Dubai.[ads2]
It was a game Asante Kotoko started on a good note with new signings like Richard Boadu, Dickson Afoakwa, Clinton Opoku and Joseph Amoako starting the crunchy encounter.
The Ghana Premier league record holders couldn’t find the net as chances created were squandered by the players.[ads3]
Al-Hilal begun to warmed themselves into the game but also failed to utilize the opportunities created as the first half ended goalless.
Both teams returned from the recess with defender Christopher Nettey scoring an own goal in the 47th minute of the preseason friendly.[ads4]
The likes of Richmond Lamptey and Sheriff Mohammed were introduced into the game as replacement for Clinton Opoku and Emmanuel Keyekeh respectively.
Despite several attempts, Asante Kotoko failed to get the equalizer after the ninety minute of the game.
Asante Kotoko will continue their preparation and are expected play some couple of matches before returning to Ghana for the 2021/22 league season scheduled to commence on October 29, 2021.
Asante Kotoko starting XI
1. Razak Abalora
23. Christopher Nettey
4. Mubarik Yussif
30. Ismail Abdul Ganiyu (C)
21. Patrick Asmah
20. Richard Boadu
6. Emmanuel Keyekeh
10. Fabio Gama
13. Dickson Afoakwa
17. Clinton Opoku
2. Joseph Amoako[ads5]
