Kwara United kicked off their 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup marketing campaign with a slender 4–3 defeat away to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in a pulsating first-leg encounter on the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi, on Sunday.
The Concord Boys, decided to make a powerful push for the group stage this season, confirmed character regardless of coming quick in a seven-goal thriller that underlined their attacking high quality and defensive frailties.
The way it unfolded in Kumasi
Kotoko struck first within the 18th minute by means of Emmanuel Antwi, earlier than John Ahule restored parity within the thirty fourth minute. The Porcupine Warriors regained their lead proper on the stroke of half-time through Albert Amoah, however Ahule responded virtually immediately, grabbing his brace deep into first-half stoppage time to make it 2–2.
The second half started at a frenetic tempo, with Kotoko placing within the forty seventh minute by means of Joseph Ablorh, earlier than Amoah transformed a 73rd-minute penalty to finish his brace and prolong the benefit to 4–2.
Kwara refused to fold, nevertheless. Abdulraheem Shola pulled one again with simply 5 minutes left, guaranteeing the tie stays delicately poised forward of the return leg in Nigeria.
Coach Sanni: “They had been fortunate right this moment, however they’re coming to fulfill us at residence”
After the sport, head coach Tunde Sanni praised his gamers for his or her resilience, whereas insisting the Ghanaians had fortune on their facet.
“We didn’t know Asante Kotoko had been nearly as good as this, our assertion wasn’t what we met. They had been a bit fortunate right this moment however are coming to fulfill us at residence in Nigeria.”
Sanni made it clear that Kwara United could be higher ready for the return fixture, with the Baba Yara battle now serving as a warning shot somewhat than a setback.
The street again to Abeokuta
The return leg comes up on 27 September in Nigeria, and with the tie nonetheless very a lot alive, Kwara will again themselves to overturn the one-goal deficit earlier than their residence followers. The combination winner will progress into the following qualification section of the Confederation Cup.
For Kwara, the problem is as a lot about tightening defensive lapses as it’s about capitalising on their attacking edge. Ahule’s brace and Shola’s late strike show the firepower is there; the second leg now turns into a check of self-discipline and composure.
Elsewhere: Abia Warriors let it slip late
The identical night, Abia Warriors did not make residence benefit depend as they had been held to a irritating 1–1 draw towards Malian outfit Djoliba in Umuahia.
The hosts went forward by means of Emeka Obioma within the twenty first minute and appeared set to hold a slim lead into the second leg, however Djoliba snatched a vital away purpose within the 88th minute to silence the house crowd.
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Abia Warriors should now rating away in Bamako subsequent week if they’re to face any probability of progressing.
Each Nigerian sides nonetheless maintain their destinies of their arms, however whereas Abia Warriors face the problem of successful on overseas soil, Kwara United will take confidence of their coach’s rallying cry; the Concord Boys are decided to make the MKO Abiola Sports activities Enviornment, Abeokuta, a short lived residence, a fortress on 27 September.
