Nettey’s own goal, condemned Kotoko to 1-0 defeat against the third tier UAE side
Asante Kotoko began their first pre-season friendly in the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) on a bad footing – losing 0-1 to Al Hilal United.
The only goal that separated the two sides was a second half own goal from right-back Christopher Nettey.
Kotoko started the game brightly and nearly opened the scoring after Patrick Asmah’s cross failed to get the needed connection from new forward Clinton Opoku.
Brazilian playmaker Fabio Gama then displayed quality, after a deadly combination between him and Dickson Afoakwa found Joseph Adomako, but the forward’s effort went wide.
Al Hilal pressured after the break and the pressure paid off, forcing Nettey to score at the wrong side.
Coach Prosper Ogum gave his new players the opportunity to make their friendly debut with Richmond Lamptey, Clinton Opoku, Dickson Afoakwa and Joseph Adomako all starting.
Kotoko CEO, Nana Yaw Amponsah said after the game, “It was a good game in the first place, some of the players arrived late but if you look at how we played, it was a good exercise for the team and the technical team.”
He added, “In the second half, we played well and dominated the game but only capitalised on the chance they had but in all, we are happy with this exercise, but I am confident we will get better before the season start.”
The Porcupine Warriors are expected to play another friendly before returning home ahead of the start of the 2021/22 season.
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