Kwara United Fall 4–3 to Asante Kotoko in CAF Confederation Cup Thriller
By Ismail Ayodeji
Kwara United Football Club kicked off their 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a narrow 4–3 defeat to Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium in the first leg of the preliminary round.
The match lived up to expectations as both sides started with high intensity, creating chances and testing each other’s defensive setups. Asante Kotoko took the lead in the 18th minute through Emmanuel Antwi. Kwara United responded six minutes later when Johnmark Aule converted a cross from Kabiru Muhammed to make it 1–1.
As the first half approached its end, a defensive mix-up in Kwara United’s backline allowed Hubert Gyalu to restore Kotoko’s lead in the 45th minute. The Harmony Boys showed great resilience, with Aule completing his brace in stoppage time to send the game into halftime level at 2–2.
The second half resumed with both teams adopting fresh strategies. Just two minutes after the restart, Joseph Ablorh headed in a goal from a corner to put Kotoko back in front. The hosts extended their lead to 4–2 in the 69th minute after being awarded a penalty, which Gyalu converted.
Kwara United reduced the deficit in the 87th minute when substitute Shola Abdulraheem finished off a pass from Junior Aimufua after an impressive run down the flank, ending the contest in a thrilling 4–3 scoreline.
Speaking after the game, Coach Tunde Sanni, on behalf of Head Coach Godwin Onyewuchi Nonsike, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and tactical discipline, adding that they are confident of overturning the result in the second leg in Abeokuta.
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, visited the team at their hotel after the match to commend their spirited performance and urged them to complete the job in Abeokuta and secure a spot in the second round.
The decisive return leg is scheduled for Sunday at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta, where Kwara United will be seeking victory to progress to the next round of the competition.
The match was transmitted live by Radio Kwara, Midland 99.1FM to the admiration of its esteemed listener.
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