Ivorian side Societe Omnisports on Wednesday held Asante Kotoko to a pulsating goalless draw in a preseason game at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Asante Kotoko who were determined to secure victory nearly had the opener in the 15th minute as Matthew Kelvin Andoh’s curling looking for the far post was saved by goalkeeper Kouadio Serginho.
The Ivorian side responded with a strike from Guy Romain in the 21st minute but it was saved by Kotoko shot-stopper Felix Annan.
Former Ashanti Gold midfielder Godfred Asiamah who was all over the pitch for Kotoko had a strike which was going straight at goalkeeper Serginho but surprisingly defender James Nyimfah blocked the ball and later saw him attending to medics.
Referee Juliet Appiah blew her whistle to bring the first forty-five minutes to a close.
Asante Kotoko returned from the tunnel with coach Kjetil Zachariassen making five changes as he replaced Godfred Asiamah, Augustine Sefah, Justice Blay, Emmanuel Gyamfi and Richard Arthur with Wahab Adams, Martin Antwi, Naby Keita, Mudasiru Salifu and George Abege.
Kotoko kept on pressuring the visitors to find the net but all attempts were futile as the Ivorian side defended gallantly.
Didi Arnold Alexis came in to replace experienced Jordan Opoku in the 75th minute.
In the 88th minute, Evans Owusu had a strike but it was blocked by the defenders of Societe Omnisports who were willing to end the game with a point.
Augustine Okrah shot from a free kick halfway Societe Omnisports’ centre half in the 89th minute but the kick went whisker of the far post.
The game finally ended with both sides sharing a point at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi.
Kotoko starting XI
Felix Annan
Augustine Sefah
Ampem Dacosta
Habib Mohammed
Justice Blay
Richard Arthur
Godfred Asiamah
Emmanuel Gyamfi
Evans Owusu
Matthew Kelvin Andoh
Jordan Opoku
