CAF CC: Asante Kotoko outshines Kwara United to book qualification ticket

Asante Kotoko has booked qualification to the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup after defeating Nigeria’s side, Kwara United 1-0 at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.

A second-half strike from Hubert Gyau was enough to hand the Porcupines a famous win, completing a double over the Nigerians following their pulsating 4-3 victory in the first leg in Accra.

Kwara United, trailing from the first leg, started brightly and almost grabbed an early opener, but goalkeeper Mohammed Camara pulled off a fine save to deny them.

Kotoko also had a chance in the 15th minute, but Peter Amidu squandered the opportunity. The Nigerians dominated possession in the first half but failed to seriously trouble the Kotoko backline, as the Porcupines held firm to end the half goalless.

After the restart, Kwara United continued to press Kotoko into their own half, yet their efforts lacked precision in the final third. Against the run of play, Kotoko struck in the 60th minute when Hubert Gyau unleashed a powerful effort from outside the box to put his side in front.

Kwara United came close to leveling through Babatunde, but he hesitated on the ball, allowing Gyau to recover and snuff out the danger.

In the closing stages, Kotoko captain Samba Oniel produced a crucial interception in the 88th minute to deny Kwara from a dangerous cross into the box. Despite five minutes of added time, Kotoko held their nerve to secure a massive away victory in Nigeria.

The Porcupines will now face Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca in the second preliminary round.