Kotoko were held at home by Amidaus Professionals

Asante Kotoko got their Premier League title defence to a slow start with a 0-0 draw with newly promoted Amidaus Professionals on Sunday.

The Porcupine Warriors spurned several opportunities to get their campaign to a flying start before an impressive home crowd at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The Champions failed to make their early superior possession count but Amidaus looked impressive at times during the game.

Ransford Osei failed to find the target after drifting into a very good position in the 30th minute.

His first touch took the ball away from his marker but his placed shot was quickly smothered by the Amidaus goalkeeper Eric Ofori-Antwi.

The new signing again failed to fetch Kotoko the go-ahead goal two minutes later after profiting from a swift counter.

His over elaboration on this occasion ensured there were enough bodies before him by the time he decided to take a shot which was charged down and cleared.

Kotoko could have easily been punished for their profligacy but for the unfair intervention of goalkeeper Isaac Amoako.

Amoako who was virtually on vacation until the 36th minute handled the ball outside his goal area after he was beaten by striker Roger Adongo.

The general captain was lucky to have escaped with a yellow card as his unsporting act denied a clear goal scoring opportunity to the visitors.

Amidaus were the quickest out of the blocks in the second half and came close to opening the scoring through Yahaya Mohammed.

The on-loan player from Kotoko almost punished his former side with one of his trademark free kicks just three minutes after the restart.

However goalkeeper Isaac Amoako provided and equally spectacular save to keep the visitors at bay.

Kotoko rarely threatened throughout the second half with flashes of good build up play by Amidaus.

The Premier League debutants held on for an all important point leaving the defending champions to rue the several spurned opportunities.

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