Asante Kotoko secured qualification to the semifinal of the NC Special Competition following a pulsating 1-1 stalemate with Aduana Stars at the Nana Agyemang Badu I Park.

Fatawu Abdul Rahman’s header cancelled Emmanuel Gyamfi’s strike as both teams shared the spoils.

Aduana Stars coach Wilson Tandoh opted for Tijjani Joshua ahead of Joseph Addo while C K Akonnor made several changes to the team that beat Medeama SC.

Songne Yacouba, Habib Mohammed and Stephen Nyarko were handed starting roles ahead of Obed Owusu, Agyemang Badu and Prince Aqcuah.

The home side started the game very well dominated the first 10 minute of the game.

No chances were created as most of the ball was played in the middle of the pitch.

Abdul Fatawu Safiu came close to giving the Porcupines Warriors the lead through a free kick but his shot went wide.

Emmanuel Gyamfi broke the deadlock of the game in the 38th minute by heading a cross from Fatawu Safiu to give his side the lead.

The home side responded two minutes later, Fatawu Abdul Rahman headed a flick from Caleb Amankwa to draw the home side level.

Both sides defended very well till the blast of the first half whistle.

Kotoko returned from the break all guns ablaze.

Songne Yacouba missed a seater to get his side in the lead again.

Yahaya Mohammed came close in the 69th minute after heading a cross from Fatawu Rahman but could not get the ball at the back of the net.

Despite being the better side in the game, the home side couldn’t get the winner as the referee whistled for the end of the game.

The results means Kumasi Asante Kotoko have qualify to the semi finals of the competition.