Posted by Kumasi Asante Kotoko suffered a 2-0 defeat to Sudanese Champions Al Hilal Omdurman in their first friendly game in their preseason tour in Sudan.
Head Coach Seydou Zerbo who was standing on the touchline for the first time named a very strong line up, handing starting role to the likes of Moise Pouaty, Christopher Netteh, Yussif Mubarik, Richard Boadu, Enoch Morrison, Eric Serge Zeze, Steven Mukwala and so on.
Our WARRIORS to face Al Hilal in tonight's first major game of #Preseason22 tour.#AKSC pic.twitter.com/mybOEZWzYg
— Asante Kotoko SC – 21/22 GPL Champions🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) August 23, 2022
The Porcupine Warriors had a good start to the game and came close to breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute, Steven Mukwala rounded the goalkeeper and teed up Nicholas Mensah whose effort was blocked.
Al-Hilal improved their display and came close on some few occasions before breaking the deadlock in the 42nd minute through Lamine Jarjou.
In the second half, Asante Kotoko pushed for the equalizer and nearly scored in the 63rd minute, an effort from Dickson Afoakwa struck the post.
The Porcupine Warriors continued to probe for the equalizer but were caught at the other end as they conceded the second, substitute Khater Awadallah the goal scorer.
The two sides will face off once again on Friday, August 26. Asante Kotoko will subsequently play Tanzanian Champions Simba SC on Sunday, August 28.
The team will then play their final game in Sudan against a yet to be named CAF Confederations Cup participating club on Tuesday, August 30 or Wednesday, August 31, before heading back to Ghana to wrap up preparations for the new season.
The team was unimpressive. Every year we are rebuilding. When are we going to to be strong enough to compete with other African teams? We are too ordinary