Asante Kotoko advanced to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kwara United in Abeokuta, Nigeria. The Porcupine Warriors built on their thrilling 4-3 first-leg win at home in Kumasi, producing a disciplined performance in the away fixture to seal a 5-3 aggregate triumph.
The decisive moment came from forward Hubert Gyau, whose strike ensured Kotoko took the advantage they needed on foreign soil. The Ghanaian side relied on a compact and measured game plan to frustrate Kwara United, who despite the energetic home crowd and a free entry policy, could not find a way past Kotoko’s solid defense.
Kwara United were compelled to move the second leg from their usual Ilorin Sports Stadium to the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta due to renovations, hoping home support would inspire a comeback. However, Kotoko’s organised setup stood firm, denying the Nigerians any breakthrough and maintaining their aggregate edge.
Head coach Karim Zito continued his impressive record in CAF Confederation Cup away matches, extending an unbeaten streak to eight games on the road. Zito’s tactical discipline and leadership were key in guiding Kotoko through the challenging tie.
With this victory, Asante Kotoko now prepare for an exciting clash against Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Casablanca in the next round, a match eagerly anticipated by their fans and African football followers.