Kwara United suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi, on Sunday.
The Harmony Boys, aiming for a place in the group stage, fell behind in the 18th minute to Emmanuel Antwi’s opener before John Atule levelled in the 34th minute. Kotoko restored their lead through Albert Amoah on the stroke of half-time, only for Atule to strike again in stoppage time to make it 2-2 at the break.
The second half saw Kotoko pull clear, with Joseph Ablorh scoring in the 47th minute and Amoah converting a penalty in the 73rd to complete his brace. Kwara responded five minutes from time through Abdulraheem Shola but were unable to find a late equaliser as the Ghanaians held on for a slender advantage.
Kwara will host the return leg in Ilorin on September 27, with aggregate victory securing passage to the next qualifying round.
Abia Warriors Pegged Back at Home
Elsewhere, Abia Warriors were held to a 1-1 draw by Mali’s Djoliba at the Umuahia Township Stadium. Emeka Obioma put the hosts ahead in the 21st minute, but an 88th-minute equaliser handed the visitors a vital away goal.
The Nigerians now face a tough task in the second leg, where they must score to keep their hopes of progression alive.
