Kwara United kicked off their 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a narrow 4-3 defeat to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in a thrilling first-leg encounter at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi, on Sunday.
The Harmony Boys, aiming to reach the group stage this season, went behind in the 18th minute after Emmanuel Antwi opened the scoring for Kotoko. John Atule restored parity for Kwara in the 34th minute, but Albert Amoah put the hosts back in front just before the break. Atule, however, struck again deep into first-half stoppage time to level matters with his brace.
The second half began with more drama as Joseph Ablorh gave Kotoko a 3-2 lead in the 47th minute, before Amoah converted a 73rd-minute penalty to complete his brace and extend the advantage.
Kwara United kept fighting and pulled one back through Abdulraheem Shola five minutes from time, setting up a tense finish. Despite late pressure from the Nigerians, Kotoko held firm to claim a slim first-leg advantage.
The return leg takes place on September 27 in Ilorin, with the aggregate winner advancing to the next qualifying stage.
Meanwhile, Abia Warriors were held to a 1-1 draw by Mali’s Djoliba in their first-leg clash at the Umuahia Township Stadium. Emeka Obioma gave the hosts the lead in the 21st minute, but Djoliba struck late in the 88th minute to snatch a vital away goal.
Abia Warriors now face a must-score situation in the second leg if they are to keep their Confederation Cup hopes alive.
