Kotoko Secure Thrilling 4-3 Win Over Kwara United in the Confederation Cup
Accra, September 22, 2025 – Asante Kotoko edged Nigeria’s Kwara United 4-3 in a goal-fest during the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round tie. The Porcupine Warriors’ attacking prowess shone through, but defensive lapses kept the visitors in contention, setting up a high-stakes second leg in Nigeria on September 26, 2025.
The hosts struck first in the 18th minute through Emmanuel Antwi, who latched onto a well-delivered cross from Albert Amoah to finish past Kwara United’s goalkeeper. Kotoko’s early dominance was tested in the 34th minute when Johnmark Atule exploited a lack of defensive concentration to tap in a low cross past Mohammed Camara, levelling the score. As the first half neared its close, Albert Amoah restored Kotoko’s lead in the 45th minute, powering in a shot indise the 18 yard from a pinpoint cross to make it 2-1.
However, Kwara United responded in stoppage time of the first half, with Atule grabbing his second in the 45+2nd minute, finishing off a well-worked move, ensuring a 2-2 scoreline at the break. Kotoko flew out of the blocks in the second half, with Joseph Ablorh putting them ahead in the 47th minute after heading home from a well-delivered corner to restore the lead for the Porcupine warriors immediately after the break.
The Porcupines sealed their advantage in the 73rd minute when Amoah converted a penalty after a foul on Aseidu in the box, extending the lead to 4-2. Kwara United refused to fold, pulling one back in the 85th minute through Abdulraheem Shola, who scored after a defensive misunderstanding in the Kotoko defence. The final minutes saw Kotoko’s defence hold firm under pressure to preserve the one-goal lead.
Karim Zito praised the team’s attacking flair but expressed concern over defensive vulnerabilities. “We created chances to kill the game, but we must be more solid at the back,” he said. Kwara United’s coach remained defiant, stating, “Scoring three goals away gives us confidence. We’ll finish the job at home.”With a 4-3 advantage and four away goals, Kotoko head to Nigeria for the second leg on September 26, 2025, knowing they must shore up defensively to advance. Kwara United, buoyed by Atule’s brace, will fancy their chances on home soil in what promises to be a gripping encounter.
By Felix Romark