Asante Kotoko defeated Bechem United 4-2 on penalties after some heroics from goalkeeper Frederick Asare on Monday afternoon.

The Porcupine warriors had their leaky backline to blame after taking an early 2-0 lead and watching helplessly as Bechem United leveled the scores to make it 2-2.

Kotoko started the game strongly and dominated for long spells as they made their dominance count with in-form Ugandan striker Steven Dese Mukwala getting the opener in just the fifth minute of the game.

Three minutes after the opening goal, the lethal striker added his second of the game after running onto a through pass to make it 2-0 Kotoko and score his fifth goal in competitions for the reds.

Bechem United began to up the ante and their efforts were duly rewarded with a goal in the 18th minute from Isaiah Nyarko to make it 2-1.

Asante Kotoko withstood the pressure as they went into the halftime break with a slender 2-1 lead.

After recess, Bechem United was all over Asante Kotoko in search of the equalizer as the reds played on the counter break.

The hunters finally profited as the impressive Francis Twene scored the leveler through a deflected free kick to send the game into a penalty shoot-out.

Bechem United nearly snatches a win as Seth Kwadwo sent wide a shot from a corner when he had the gaping goal at his mercy.

Kotoko goalie Frederick Asare was the hero as he saved two penalties as the reds won 4-2 to book a place in the round of 32.