Ashantigold SC defeated Moroccan side RS Berkane 3-2 in the first leg of the Confederations Cup preliminary stage to secure a slim advantage over the last year finalists ahead of the second leg.
Ashantigold took a two goal lead in the first half of the game courtesy of Erick Donkor and Shafiu Mumuni before half time, but failed hold on to the advantage as the visitors responded with two goals in quick succession in the second half to bring the scores to 2-2.
The home side dominated possession in the second half, firing shots from all angles but Berkane proved very resolute at the back to deny the Miners from increasing the tally. Midfielder Appiah McCarthy was denied by the crossbar after finely taken free kick the Berkane human wall and the goalkeeper. Berkane also came close to taking a lead by their effort was denied by the woodwork.
A consistent pressing from the home side resulted in a corner kick around the 59th minute, which was capitalized on by Amos Addai who slotted home the winner with a low short in the penalty box to the right side of the bottom corner in the 60th minute.
Substitute Amos Kofi Nkrumah came very close to registering the fourth goal for the Miners, but his effort wasn’t enough to beat Laaroubi.
After five minutes of additional time, the two sides failed to score and the Senegalese referee Issa Sy blew for the end of proceedings, with Ashantigold going into the second leg in Morocco with a slight advantage as any form of draw can secure them qualification to the next stage.
