Asante Kotoko coach Charles Kwablan Akunnor has blasted his players for their underwhelming performance in the defeat against Al Hilal in their group C opener on Sunday.

The Porcupine Warriors lost narrowly to the Sudanese champions, after Waleed Bakhiek Hamid only goal made the difference on the day.

Akunor was livid with the performance of his boys, claiming they did not play to his expectations.

"My boys didn't play to my expectation in the first half and conceded a goal that was avoidable. We expressed ourselves well in the 2nd half but couldn't get the needed equaliser," C. K. Ackonnor told Sikka Sports.

The first thirty minutes looked very balance as both sides very cautious of committing errors.

The Blue Waves with their slight advantage in possession finally went ahead in the 40th minute through Bakhiet Hamid.

He connected a headed pass from Nasr El Din Shigel following a free-kick.

A minute afterwards, Asante Kotoko nearly pulled parity but Abdul Fatawu Safiu's effort came off the crossbar.

The Porcupine Warriors improved their performance in the second half by having more of the possession but failed to create scoring chances.

ZESCO United beat Nkana FC 2-0 in the other group match on Sunday in Zambia.

Kotoko return to action on February 13 when they host ZESCO United at the Kumasi Baba Yara Sports Stadium.