Asante Kotoko suffer 5-1 loss to Wydad in Morocco

Asante Kotoko have been eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup following a heavy 5-1 defeat to Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco on Friday.

The Moroccan giants scored twice in the first half and added three more goals after the break to seal qualification to the group stage of the competition at the Mohammed V Stadium.

Wydad progressed 6-1 on aggregate after recording a 1-0 win in the first leg in Ghana.

Following the home defeat, Kotoko coach Abdul Karim Zito made five changes to his starting lineup.

Joseph Amoah, Donzo Morifing, Seth Kwadwo, and Henry Ansu were handed starts ahead of Patrick Asiedu, Inusah Adams, Walid Neymar, and Hillary Adabo, while goalkeeper Aziz Dari replaced the suspended Mohammed Camara.

The hosts wasted no time, taking the lead inside the first minute through Hannouri, who rose highest to head home powerfully.

Kotoko nearly drew level when Peter Amidu Acquah found space in the box but blasted his effort wide.

The Porcupines equalized through captain Samba O’Neil, who headed in a cross in the 20th minute. However, Wydad restored their advantage moments later as Aziz Ki capitalized on a defensive mistake.

Kotoko pushed for another equalizer, with Donzo Morifing seeing his strike blocked by the resilient Wydad defense.

Goalkeeper Aziz Dari produced two fine saves to deny efforts from Aziz Ki and Thembinkosi Lorch before halftime, as the hosts went into the break 2-1 ahead.

After the restart, Wydad controlled possession and were awarded a penalty in the 52nd minute after Aziz Dari was adjudged to have fouled a Wydad attacker in the box. Lorch converted from the spot, sending Dari the wrong way to make it 3-1.

A goal-line clearance from Lord Amoah later prevented Bakasu from extending the lead, but Kotoko struggled to create meaningful chances.

Zemraoui added a fourth after Dari failed to hold onto his shot, and substitute Mohammed Bouachari sealed the rout in added time to make it 5-1.

Full-time 🏁
Qualification confirmed 👊#DimaWydad pic.twitter.com/PaFvUkYYKT
— Wydad Athletic Club (@WACofficiel) October 24, 2025

The result ends Asante Kotoko’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign in disappointing fashion, with the Porcupines now set to turn their attention to domestic competitions.

Zito’s men will aim to bounce back strongly in the Ghana Premier League and the MTN FA Cup as they target a return to continental football next season.