Asante Kotoko 4 B/A United 3: Ahmed Toure fails to score in Porcupine Warriors pre-season triumph

By Akyereko Frimpong Manson
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Ivorian hit-man Ahmed Toure came off the bench to mark his return to Asante Kotoko but failed to register his name on the score-sheet as the Porcupine Warriors laboured to a 4-3 victory over Ghana Premier League returnees B/A United on Saturday. 

The 27-year-old, a $30,000 signing, tossed onto the pitch in the 68th minute as replacement for winger Frank Gyamfi amidst wild cheers and excitement but failed to find the back of the net.

Kotoko beat rivals Hearts of Oak to secure a return for their former striker and officially unveiled him before kick off at the Baba Yara Stadium.

United, led by former Kotoko star Seth Frimpong Manso proved a Himalayan opposition for the Ghanaian champions as they made them work for their victory.

Former Ghana U20 winger Latif Salifu who joined Kotoko from Berekum Chelsea opened the scoring for Didi Dramani's side but United equalised through attacker Richard Quartey and Samuel Norgbe converted from the spot to shot the Apostles 2-1 ahead.

United maintained their lead until Obed Owusu struck the leveller for Kotoko in nick of time before the break. The former Berekum Chelsea midfielder headed home in the 45th minute. The Apostles defence could only stand and admire the power and desire with which he outjumped everybody to nod the ball home.

Kotoko won a penalty just 3 minutes into the second-half after Sarfo Gyamfi was felled inside the box and Larbi Koomson elected himself to blast the ball past the United keeper.

United capitalised on a weakness in the Kotoko defence to pull even but substitute Prince Baffoe sent home a brilliant free-kick to seal the win for Kotoko.