Asante Kotoko claimed a narrow 4-3 victory over Nigerian side Kwara United in their CAF Confederations Cup preliminary first-leg clash at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, but defensive errors mean the tie remains delicately poised ahead of the return leg in Ilorin.
The Porcupine Warriors looked in control for large spells but were punished by lapses at the back, allowing Kwara United to stay within touching distance. Johnmark Aule, who scored twice, and Shola Abdul Raheem exposed Kotoko’s vulnerability, leaving the Ghanaians with little margin for error in the second leg.
Kotoko’s goals came from Emmanuel Antwi, Albert Amoah—who bagged a brace including a penalty—and Joseph Ablorh. However, each time the Ghanaian side looked to be pulling away, the visitors fought back, with Aule’s brace before half-time and Raheem’s late strike ensuring the Nigerians remain firmly in contention.
Despite the win, coach Prosper Narteh Ogum’s men face a daunting test in Nigeria, where Kwara will be boosted by home support. Kotoko will need to tighten their backline and convert their chances if they are to set up a second-round meeting with Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.
