The Porcupine Warriors continued with their preparations despite having no game this weekend in the Premier League
Ten-man Asante Kotoko defeated lower division side Asekem FC 3-1 in a friendly game at the Beposo Park on Friday.
The Porcupine Warriors have had their Ghana Premier League matchday seven fixture against Hearts of Oak postponed due to the latter’s participation in the Caf Confederation Cup.
Kotoko coach Prosper Ogum Narteh paraded a squad mixed by regular faces and fringe players against Asekem with young goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim starting ahead of Razak Abalora and Kwame Baah.
Skipper Abdul Ganiu partnered Maxwell Agyemang, while Sheriff Mohammed and Imoro Ibrahim took over the right and left back role respectively.
Richard Boadu Agadas, Joseph Amoako, Richmond Lamptey and Stephen Amankonah made up the midfield while Cameroonian strikers of Mfegue Mbella Frank Thierry and Mbella Etuoga led the attack.
Lamptey opened the scoring with a long range shot on the 18th minute before Ganiu doubled Kotoko’s advantage with a header Twi minutes later.
However, Kotoko were reduced to ten men before half time after Amankonah was shown a red card due to a bad tackle.
After the break, Asekem began to make their numerical advantage count and they were awarded a penalty in the process after a Kotoko defender brought down one of the hosts strikers. Surprisingly, the spot kick was missed.
Asekem finally found an opening in Kotoko’s defence and pulled one back against the run of play.
On 65th minute, Asekem were also reduced to ten men after their goalkeeper handled the ball outside the penalty area and they were forced to make a substitution as the reserve goalkeeper replaced one of their outfield players.
Substitute Solomon Sarfo Taylor capitalised on a poor defending by Asekem by the 71st minute and made it 3-1.
Kotoko will continue with their preparations at Adako Jachie before they host Real Tamale United at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on December 19.