Kumasi, March 25, GNA - Kumasi Asante Kotoko lost 2-1 to Africa Sports of Cote D'Ivoire in a friendly international football match played at the Kumasi Sports Stadium on Wednesday.

The match formed part of Kotoko's preparation towards their participation in the CAF Champion's League for the first time in which they meet Asec Mimosa also of Cote D'Ivoire.

Parading a blend of old and some new players in view of the absence of some key players of the club on national assignment with the Black Meteors, Kotoko went down one-nil in the fifth minute when Africa Sports, Dagbei Marc netted the first goal from a free kick.

Kotoko settled down and carried the game to the Ivorians and nearly levelled up in the 31st minute but goalkeeper, Kouaku Betrand denied William Tierro the opportunity.

Still pressing for the equaliser, Kwaku Essien, one of the new signed on players of Kotoko, headed the ball over the bar in the 38th minute from an Aziz Ansah's cross.

The second half still found Kotoko pressing t9o0 break even with the visitors but against the run of play, it was Africa Sports who increased their lead in the 86th minute when substitute Grah headed home beautifully an in - swinger from Balto Jules just a minute after Ouedrago had been red carded for rough play.

With their pride at stake, Kotoko threw everything into the game and fighting like wounded tigers, they got a consolation goal two minutes into injury time through Kwaku Essien.

He pounced on a loose ball and his back heel deflected off the body of an Africa Sports defender into the net.