Asante Kotoko FC began their CAF Champions League campaign with a vital away draw in Mauritania against FC Nouadhibou.

The Porcupine Warriors needed a positive result in the first of the two-legged preliminary stage encounter.

Kotoko started the game in brilliant fashion when striker Osman Mohammed put them ahead. The young striker connected well to a pass from Emmanuel Gyamfi on the edge of the penalty box and shot into the right bottom corner.

The early goal startled the home side who then struggled to find their rhythm. Kotoko seized the moment and created loads of chances but failed to make it count by being profligate upfront.

Subsequently, the home side settled and fashioned some chances of heir own. They threatened somewhere inside the 15th minute but were denied by an excellent save by Kotoko goalkeeper Kwame Baah.

The home side will eventually draw level after a contentious decision by the referee to award them a penalty inside the 21st minute.

Asante Kotoko defender was unfairly adjudged to have handled the ball which eventually led to the penalty being awarded.

The home side scored the penalty to level matters courtesy striker Hemeya Tanjy.

The first half eventually ended 1-1.

Back from recess, Maxwell Konadu rang in some changes with Suller Ali Muniru and Evans Adomako being subbed on. The two players replaced Emmanuel Keyekeh and Osman Ibrahim respectively after both had picked up injuries in the first half.

The game became a ding dong affair with bot sides creating chances. However their failure to make those moments count ensured the game ended in a stalemate.

Asante Kotoko with this result will bank on the away goal scored as they host the return fixture at the Tamale Sports Stadium in a week’s time.