Asante Kotoko secured a hard-fought 1-0 away victory over Nigeria’s Kwara United to book their place in the second round of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup.
A brilliant second-half strike from Hubert Gyau sealed a 5-3 aggregate win for the Porcupine Warriors, who now set up a clash with Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca in the next round.
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Kotoko went into the decisive second-leg encounter under immense pressure, having conceded three goals at home in the first leg. In the opening half, the Ghanaian side adopted a deep defensive approach, with Joseph Ablorh and Henry Ansu marshalling the backline effectively and goalkeeper Camara pulling off crucial saves to keep the hosts at bay.
The breakthrough came in the 54th minute when Gyau unleashed a dazzling effort that flew past Kwara United goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso. The Nigerians responded with sustained pressure, coming close to levelling in the 75th minute through Aimufua Junior, who failed to convert from close range.
Kotoko held their ground in the closing stages, managing the game expertly to protect their slender lead and confirm progression.
The Kumasi-based side, reigning MTN FA Cup champions, will now face Wydad Casablanca in the second preliminary round. The first leg is scheduled between October 17 and 19, 2025, with the return fixture set for October 24 to 26, 2025, where a place in the group stage will be at stake.
