Asante Kotoko began their 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Nigeria’s Kwara United in the first leg of the preliminary round at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The Ghana FA Cup champions took the lead in the 19th minute when midfielder Emmanuel Antwi unleashed a thunderous strike.
Their advantage, however, was short-lived as Johnmark Atule equalised for the visitors in the 34th minute.
Albert Amoah restored Kotoko’s lead with a spectacular effort on the stroke of halftime, but Atule struck again in stoppage time to send both sides into the break level at 2-2.
Kotoko resumed the second half with intensity and were rewarded when Joseph Ablorh finished off a sweeping move to make it 3-2. Their dominance continued, and in the 68th minute, Amoah converted a penalty after Patrick Asiedu was fouled in the box to extend the lead.
Just as the Porcupine Warriors looked set to close out the game comfortably, Kwara United reduced the deficit in the 88th minute through Abdulraheem Shola, setting up a tense finish.
The 4-3 win gives Kotoko a slim advantage ahead of the decisive second leg at the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium in Abuja on Sunday, September 28.
The aggregate winner will advance to face Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club in the next round.
