Kwara United Football Club opened their 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a narrow 4–3 defeat to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium in the preliminary round first leg.
The match delivered on its promise of excitement, as both sides played at high intensity, creating numerous chances and testing each other’s defensive lines.
Asante Kotoko struck first in the 18th minute through Emmanuel Antwi, but Kwara United quickly responded six minutes later when Johnmark Aule converted Kabiru Muhammed’s cross to level the score at 1–1.
Just before halftime, a defensive lapse from the Harmony Boys allowed Hubert Gyalu to restore Kotoko’s lead in the 45th minute. However, Aule showed resilience, completing his brace in stoppage time to send the game into the break at 2–2.
The second half began with renewed energy, and Joseph Ablorh put Kotoko back in front with a header from a corner in the 47th minute. The hosts then extended their advantage to 4–2 in the 69th minute, as Gyalu converted a penalty.
Kwara United fought back late, with substitute Shola Abdulraheem finishing off a Junior Aimufua assist in the 87th minute to cut the deficit, ending the game in a thrilling 4–3 scoreline.
Assistant coach Tunde Sanni, speaking on behalf of head coach Godwin Onyewuchi Nonsike, praised the team’s effort and discipline, expressing confidence that Kwara United could overturn the result in the second leg.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also visited the team at their hotel after the match, commending their spirited performance and encouraging them to finish the job in Abeokuta.
The decisive return leg is scheduled for Sunday at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta, where Kwara United will need victory to progress to the next round.
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