Accra Hearts of Oak came from behind to play-out a 2-2 draw with nitter rivals on Wednesday in the UN Peace Cup match honored at the Accra Sport Stadium.
The Phobians scored the first goal of the match against the run-of-play in the 26th minute after withstanding early pressure from the Porcupine Warriors.
Former Dwarfs centre back Vincent Atinga converted from the penalty spot after Kotoko's Richard Osei Agyemang felled Isaac Mensah.
Kotoko were presented with a golden opportunity to draw level by Referee Joseph Lamptey before the break, but their usually reliable defender Amos Frimpong saw his weak penalty saved by goalkeeper Evans Gbeti.
However, Kotoko got their equaliser after the break through substitute Halipha Sodogo who scored a wonderful goal with his left foot.
The Porcupine Warriors then went ahead for the first time in the game when Kotoko captain Amos Frimpong made amaends from close range capitalising on lax defending to smash the ball into the net in the 75th minute.
Veteran midfielder Mustapha Essuman volleyed home a stunning-goal three minutes later to save the blushes of Hearts.
The game is aimed at fostering peace ahead of the November polls and a return leg will be played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.