Asante Kotoko secured a narrow 4-3 victory over Nigeria‘s Kwara United in the first leg preliminary clash of the 2025–26 CAF Confederations Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The Porcupine Warriors were pegged back twice in the first half but showed resilience after the break to claim a vital home win. Emmanuel Antwi opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a low drive past goalkeeper Ayeleso Suraj, before Johnmark Aule equalised in the 34th minute. Kotoko regained the lead through Albert Amoah’s powerful volley on the stroke of halftime, only for Aule to restore parity with his second goal in added time.
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Kotoko started the second half brightly, with Joseph Ablorh heading home in the 48th minute to put them 3-2 ahead. Their advantage was extended in the 73rd minute when Amoah converted from the penalty spot for his second of the evening. Kwara United, however, kept the contest alive as Shola Abdul Raheem struck in the 85th minute to cut the deficit.
Despite creating several late chances, Kotoko failed to widen their lead but held on for the 4-3 victory. The Ghanaian giants will carry a slim advantage into the second leg in Nigeria, where the aggregate winner will advance to face Morocco‘s Wydad Casablanca in the second round.
