Asante Kotoko rallied from two goals down to beat Panthers FC 4-2 in their first pre-season game ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Coach Abdulai Gazeli handed starting roles to Cameroonian goalkeeper Pouately, left back Thomas Pele, and Ugandan forward Steven Mukwala.
Stephen Amankona, Ernest Osei Poku, Andul Ganiyu, Richard Boadu, Christopher Nettey, Richard Lampetey and Isaac Oppong all started for Kotoko.
Panthers FC – a second division outfit – scored twice early in the game but failed to maintain their shape as Kotoko rallied from behind to secure a victory.
After going down 2 nil, Stephen Amankona reduced the deficit through the spot.
Youngster Ernest Osei Poku who has been training with Kotoko pulled parity with a strike from 25 yards.
Ugandan striker Steven Mukwala who showed great positioning and awareness skills netted Kotoko’s third goal to end the first half.
After recess, Kotoko introduced a new set of players.
Goalkeeper Frederick Asare, Samuel Appiah, Yusif Mubarik, Emmanuel Sarkodie, Enoch Morrison, Sarfo Taylor, Samuel Boateng, and Dickson Afoakwa started the second half.
After several exchanges and fluffed opportunities, Afoakwa snatched Kotoko’s 4th goal with a wonderful finish from Augustine Agyapong’s cross.
