Kotoko held by Benin Under-20 team

Accra, Jan 5, GNA - A second string Kumasi Asante Kotoko side was on Wednesday held to a goalless drawn game by the Benin U-20 team currently touring Ghana in an international friendly match played at the nation's Wembley, Ohene Djan Sports Stadium in Accra.

Kotoko who are using the game as a preparatory one towards their Confederations Cup grand finale against Accra Hearts of Oak on Sunday could not repeat their 4-0 overwhelming victory recorded against the same team in Kumasi prior to their last Sunday's game with the Phobians.

Parading goalkeeper Eric Nii Baah, veteran Dan Acquah, William Thompson, Kwaku Duah at the rear, the Porcupine Warriors who had their coach Hans Dieter Schmidt observing proceedings from the stands had their match in the Benin team who are also preparing towards the African Youth Championship (AYC).

Both teams sold out a thrilling encounter which left the sizeable Kotoko faithful supporters that thronged the arena chanting with ecstasy and understandable optimism - something they described as a tonic towards Sunday's clash against their arch rivals at the Kumasi Sports stadium.

The Kotoko attack, led by the three imported Brazilian players made up of Fabio, 20, Castro, 30 and Gleisson, 24, who are on trials with the club fared woefully in the first half, though George Yamoah and Yaw Sarpong were the worst culprits any time they came close to scoring. Benin's France-based Abu Migah who gave his markers a hell of time was however twice unlucky to have his well-taken shots kiss the posts and bounce back into play to end the game goalless.