The highly contested game saw Malian Referee Gaoussou Kane awarding a shameful penalty to the home side after the ball strike the tummy of Kotoko defender while his hands were at his back.
Osman Ibrahim had taken an early lead for the Kumasi-based club but saw his goal cancelled out by Hemeya Tanjy from the spot in the 22nd minute.
Kotoko travelled to the Mauritania Capital fully ready to win but after dominating the entire game, Maxwell Konadu’sside could only settle for a draw due to the incompetence of the officiating officials on the day.
Kotoko will host Nouadhbou next week for the second leg with the hope of qualifying to the next stage of the competition.
What has shocked people is the embarrassing penalty the centre awarded to the home side.