Asante Kotoko suffered defeat in their first Pre-season friendly in the United Arab Emirates following a 1-0 loss against Al hillal United on Thursday.

A second half own goal from right-back Christopher Nettey handed the host a late win.

It was Asante Kotoko who started the game very well and nearly took the lead but Clinton Opoku failed to tap in a cross from Patrick Asmah.

Both teams created several opportunities but couldn’t find the back of the net.

After the break, it was all Al Hilal and the pressure paid off, forcing Christopher Nettey to score at the wrong side.

Coach Prosper Ogum handed start to four new  players namely Clinton Opoku, Dickson Afoakwa, Richard Boadu and Joseph Amoako

The Porcupines will test their strength again in four days time.

Asante Kotoko starting 11 for the game

1. Razak Abalora
23. Christopher Nettey
4. Mubarik Yussif
30. Ismail Abdul Ganiyu (C)
21. Patrick Asmah
20. Richard Boadu
6. Emmanuel Keyekeh
10. Fabio Gama
13. Dickson Afoakwa
17. Clinton Opoku
2. Joseph Amoako

Substitution
22. Kwame Baah
18. Richmond Lamptey
14. Sherif Mohammed
15. Andrews Kwadwo Appau
25. Maxwell Agyemang
24. Samuel Appiah
3. Mudasiru Salifu