A win in a test game has raised expectation in the Asante Kotoko camp ahead of Sunday’s must-win Confederations Cup qualifier against Libya’s Al-Ittihad.

The Porcupine Warriors came out of a preparatory game for Sunday’s match with a 2-1 result over First Division side, Gomoa Feyernoord at the Baba Yara Stadium on Wednesday.

Kotoko must first overcome a 1-2 deficit to make the group stage of the competition.

Emmanuel Osei Kufour will be absent for Sunday’s game after picking up a red card in the first leg while fullbacks Harrision Afful and Samuel Inkoom.

Despite the absence of three key squad members, Kotoko assistant coach, Johnson Smith, who will take charge of the game, insists that the Porcupine Warriors can edge out their opponents

“It is unfortunate because those players add a lot to the team but it does not mean nothing can be done in their absence. We have a team and this is the right time to give other players the chance,” Smith, who is sitting in for the bereaved Bashiru Hayford said.

The Kotoko assistant coach remains hopeful that his team will take control of the game in Kumasi to ensure a win.

“We planned well for that first leg in Tripoli but things went wrong and we did not have control. But Sunday will be different. It is a game we will win at all cost.”