Asante Kotoko survive Kwara United scare in 4-3 victory

Asante Kotoko managed a narrow 4-3 victory over Nigerian side Kwara United in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The Porcupines had hoped to secure a more comfortable margin ahead of the return fixture but were left with plenty to do after a topsy-turvy encounter.

Read more: Black Queens coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren sets sights on WAFCON glory

Emmanuel Antwi opened the scoring for Kotoko, blasting home from an Albert Amoah cross. However, poor marking in the box allowed Johnmark Awule to draw Kwara level.

Kotoko regained the lead three minutes before halftime when Amoah volleyed in Patrick Asiedu’s cross. The visitors responded almost immediately, with Awule finishing off a neat one-two move to make it 2-2 at the break.

Kotoko struck again just after the restart, Joseph Ablorh heading in from Amidu Acquah’s delivery. Amoah then converted from the spot to give Kotoko a 4-2 cushion after Walid Neymer was brought down in the box.

Despite being two goals down, Kwara United kept pushing and were rewarded in the 88th minute when Shola Ibrahim pounced on a rebound to reduce the deficit.

Kotoko pressed for a late goal in stoppage time but couldn’t extend their lead, leaving the tie delicately poised ahead of the decisive second leg in Nigeria next week.

Read more: Black Queens coach Lars Kim Bjorkegren names final 24-woman squad for WAFCON 2024