By Isaac Darko,Samuel Obour
Copyright yen
Asante Kotoko advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup with a 5-3 aggregate victory over Kwara UnitedCarrying a narrow 4-3 lead from the first leg in Kumasi, the Porcupine Warriors delivered a disciplined performance in Abeokuta to seal qualificationTheir reward is a high-profile showdown against Moroccan heavyweights Wydad AC of Morocco in the next round
Asante Kotoko sealed qualification to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup with a 1-0 victory over Nigeria’s Kwara United in Abeokuta on Sunday afternoon.
The Porcupine Warriors held a narrow advantage from the first leg, where they triumphed 4-3 in a thrilling clash in Kumasi.
In the return leg, Karim Zito’s side delivered a composed and disciplined display to get the job done away from home.
Midfield engine Hubert Gyau proved to be the match-winner, netting the decisive goal in the 54th minute.
He pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the box and unleashed a crisp low drive into the bottom-left corner, leaving the Kwara goalkeeper with no chance.
Watch Gyau’s goal below:
Kwara United, compelled to move the fixture from their Ilorin Sports Stadium to the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta because of renovation works, threw the gates open for free to attract support.
Despite the backing, they struggled to penetrate Kotoko’s disciplined and well-structured defence.
Per 3Sports, the result also underlined head coach Karim Zito’s remarkable away record in the CAF Confederation Cup, as the former Dreams FC boss has now gone eight games unbeaten on the road in the competition.
Ghanaian fans took to social media to hail the spirited performance of the team in Nigeria.
@nyannthierry posted:
“Well done Asante Kotoko 🤝🇬🇭”
@CyrusAgogo said:
“Kotoko beat Kwara United in Abeokuta to qualify to the next round of CAF Confederations Cup. Great win ❤️”
@quame_age commented
“Kumaaaasssii Asante Kotoko. Faaaaabuuuuuuuuuuu🔥🔥❤️❤️”
@TwoTerty_ said:
“Chale Kotoko be tooooo sweeeet.”
Kotoko to face Wydad Casablanca
Per Ghanasoccernet, Kotoko’s next challenge comes against Wydad Casablanca, one of the most decorated and formidable clubs in African football.
The Moroccan giants boast three CAF Champions League titles and recently represented the continent at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year, underlining their stature on the global stage.
Kotoko, for their part, are no strangers to success, having twice conquered Africa in the Champions League, but like their upcoming opponents, they are still in pursuit of a maiden Confederation Cup triumph.
The pedigree and history of both sides set the stage for one of the marquee fixtures of this year’s tournament.
The two-time African champions will have the advantage of playing the first leg at their fortress, the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, where passionate home support often makes the difference.
They will then head to Morocco in October for the decisive return leg, a daunting trip that will test their resilience and tactical discipline.
For the Porcupine Warriors, this clash represents more than just progression to the next round; it is an opportunity to measure themselves against elite opposition and showcase their continental ambitions.
With both clubs steeped in tradition and driven by a hunger to add to their illustrious histories, fans can expect a gripping contest full of intensity, quality, and high stakes.
Kotoko player accuses teammate of infedility
YEN.com.gh earlier reported on Justice Blay’s serious allegations against his former Asante Kotoko teammates, goalkeeper Mohammed Camara and striker Kwame Poku.
Source: YEN.com.gh
