Benab FC claimed a notable 2-1 win over Asante Kotoko in a pre-season friendly at the Paa Joe Stadium, handing the lower-division side another memorable result against one of Ghana’s biggest clubs.
The match formed part of both teams’ preparations for the 2026/27 season, but it was Benab who made the stronger start and ultimately held on for victory.
Jacob Aduanteba put Benab ahead after only seven minutes, capitalising on a costly mistake by Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim. Aduanteba delivered the ball from the right, but Danlad was unable to deal with it properly and the effort found its way into the net.
The early goal gave Benab a valuable advantage and ensured Asante Kotoko were forced to respond from the opening stages of the contest. The Porcupine Warriors improved after the interval and gradually found a way back into the game.
Their pressure finally produced an equaliser in the 79th minute, when Phillip Amoh scored to make it 1-1. The goal appeared to have shifted the momentum in Kotoko’s favour, with the Ghanaian giants restoring parity late in the match.
Benab, however, responded almost immediately. Just eight minutes after Amoh’s equaliser, Black Starlets captain Joseph Narbi struck to put the lower-division team back in front.
Narbi’s goal proved decisive as Benab protected their advantage to secure a 2-1 victory over Asante Kotoko. The result completed an impressive performance for the ‘Everything by God’ side, who once again demonstrated their ability to compete with top-flight opposition.
For Asante Kotoko, the defeat provides an early reminder of the work still to be done before the new campaign begins. Their improvement in the second half and Amoh’s late equaliser offered encouragement, but Benab’s quick response denied them a share of the result.
The fixture gave both clubs another opportunity to assess their squads and continue refining their preparations ahead of the start of the 2026/27 campaign. While the outcome will be particularly significant for Benab because of the quality of the opposition, both teams are expected to take lessons from the friendly as they work towards the new season.
Benab’s victory also adds to the significance of the occasion for the club. Beating Asante Kotoko represents another important result against Ghanaian giants and further underlines the competitive threat posed by the lower-division outfit.
