The Porcupine Warriors stepped up their preparations towards the make or break encounter next weekend as they put five goals past the lower division side in a friendly game
Asante Kotoko thrashed Division Two side Kenpong Academy 5-0 in a friendly game at the Atonsu Astro Turf on Wednesday ahead of their Ghana Premier League game against Karela United.
With Richmond Lamptey and Mudasiru Salifu expected to miss the weekend’s game, Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh selected goalkeeper Kwame Baah in post ahead of Razak Abalora and youngster Danlad Ibrahim.
Meanwhile, Samuel Appiah, Augustine Agyapong, Maxwell Agyemang and Charles Owusu completed the defence line.
Sheriff Mohammed, Clinton Opoku, and Emmanuel Keyekeh started as the three midfielders while Solomon Sarfo Taylor, Evans Adomako and Stephen Amankonah began upfront in a 4-3-3 formation.
After an end to end action in the opening fifteen minutes, Kotoko nearly took the lead through Adomako but the his effort was saved.
Three minutes later, the striker was fortunate as his last ditch effort went past the goalkeeper.
Kotoko doubled their lead on the 29th minute through Amankonah before Dickson Afoakwa made it 3-0.
On the stroke of halftime, Solomon Sarfo Taylor added another goal to make it 4-0 he after connected a carpet pass from Augustine Boakye and calmly slotted in his effort.
After the break, Kotoko changed entirely their players and brought on new set.
Razak Abalora took over from Kwame Baah, while Christopher Nettey, Imoro Ibrahim, Abdul Ganiu and Andrew Kwadwo Appau made up tu defence.
Richard Boadu, Mudasiru Salifu and Fabio Gama were used as the diamond midfielders while George Mfegue, Mbella Thierry and Isaac Oppong led the attack.
Mfegue Rodrigues benefited from a poor defence from Kenpong and sent in a low drive to make it 5-0 against the run of play.
Although, Kotoko pushed more men in search of more goals, they could not utilize the few half chances that came their way.
Kotoko, who top the league log with twelve points from four games, will depart Kumasi to Ainyinase on Saturday to wrap up their preparations before they face Karela at the Crosby Awuah Memorial Park on Sunday
FIRST HALF SQUAD:
Kotoko XI vs Kenpong Academy:
Kwame Baah, Samuel Appiah, Augustine Agyapong, Maxwell Agyemang, Charles Owusu, Sheriff Mohammed, Clinton Opoku, Emmanuel Keyekeh, Solomon Sarfo Taylor, Evans Adomako, Stephen Amankonah
SECOND HALF SQUAD
Kotoko XI Vs Kenpong Academy;
Razak Abalora, Christopher Nettey, Imoro Ibrahim, Abdul Ganiu, Andrew Kwadwo Appau, Richard Boadu, Mudasiru Salifu, Fabio Gama, George Mfegue, Mbella Thierry and Isaac Oppong.