Kwara United’s return to continental football was marked by goals and heartbreak, as the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side suffered a 4-3 defeat to Asante Kotoko in a thrilling CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round clash in Accra.
The Harmony Boys refused to bow easily, but history repeated itself as another Nigerian team fell victim to Kotoko’s dominance on home soil.
A thrilling battle in Accra
The encounter exploded into life when Emmanuel Antwi fired Kotoko ahead, only for Johnmark Atule to restore parity for Kwara.
Albert Amoah handed the hosts the lead, but Atule struck once again in stoppage time to send both teams into the break at 2-2.
Kotoko seized control after the restart. Joseph Ablorh made it 3-2 before Amoah added his second of the night from the penalty spot, giving the Ghanaians a two-goal cushion.
But Kwara showed their fighting spirit until the very end. Substitute Abdulraheem Shola struck late to make it 4-3, keeping the tie alive ahead of the decisive second leg in Ilorin on September 28.
Kwara fights history, but curse continues
The match carried historical weight. Kwara became the sixth Nigerian club to visit Kotoko in continental competition—and the sixth to leave empty-handed.
Previous victims included Stationery Stores, Kano Pillars, Rangers, Wikki Tourist, and Dolphin FC.
Yet the Harmony Boys made history of their own by scoring three goals in Accra, becoming the first Nigerian side to net that many against Kotoko away from home in CAF competition.
What the coach has to say
Head coach of the Ilorin-based team Tunde Sanni expressed frustration at the outcome, suggesting fortune favoured the hosts:
“We don’t know that they are even better like this. Our assertion is not what we met, but they’re a bit luckier today. That’s it! They’re coming to meet us at home as well.”
With the second leg set to be held at the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium on September 28, Kwara’s only mission will be to overturn the first-leg deficit.
The winners will advance to face Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca in the next round.
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