Asante Kotoko’s title hopes look dimmer now after they could only force a draw against struggling King Faisal on Saturday.

The two teams met in a Match Week 32 Ghana Premier League encounter at Kotoko’s makeshift home, the Obuasi Sports Stadium.

Asante Kotoko went into the game needing maximum points to stay in the race for the title while struggling King Faisal also needed the maximum points to help their survival bid.

King Faisal netted the first goal when Zubairu Ibrahim stole a march on Kotoko defender Samuel Frimpong and sent a low shot past goalie Kwame Baah.

This was in the 15th minute and King Faisal held on strong to finish the first half with the lead.

By then Kotoko looked disinterested and the first half break came at the right time for them.

Back from recess, King Faisal doubled up their efforts and should have been two up when striker Kwame Peprah rounded off the goalkeeper but could only hit his shot towards the post with goal wide open.

They will live to regret that miss later after Kotoko found an equalizer albeit it should have been disallowed for Offside.

A cross into box saw Goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim move off his line. A subsequent goalbound shot by a Andrews Appau was helped in by Andy Kumi. However, contrary there was only one defender available during the action which meant Referee Clement Nkuah should have given an offside.

The goal stood though as the King Faisal players looked on bemused at the call.

Subsequent attempts by King Faisal to find a second goal and match winner proved futile as they only time they came close saw an effort hit the post.

The game ended 1-1 with the result not doing either side any good in their individual ambitions. Kotoko slip further in the title race as they currently sit second on 54 points.

Hearts on 56 could move 5 clear should they win against Ebusua Dwarfs on Sunday.

For King Faisal, they now have 37 points and will need 3 more at least to help their survival chances.