Asante Kotoko's hopes of making a winning return to action in the Ghana Special Competition ended in disappointment as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Bechem United on Wednesday.
Ultimately, it was two first-half goals that decided the matchday 10 tie at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi. Prince Adu gave visiting Bechem the lead before Abdul Fatawu Safiu netted his seventh goal of the campaign to share the spoils.
Kotoko, who were not in action on matchday nine on Sunday, still sit second in Zone A but now trail leaders Medeama by five points as the latter beat Ashanti Gold 1-0 courtesy of Isaac Agyenim Boateng's strike.