Kwara United began their CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a narrow 4-3 loss to Ghana’s Asante Kotoko in a thrilling first-leg encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Kotoko took the lead in the 19th minute through Emmanuel Antwi’s long-range strike, but Johnmark Atule brought Kwara level in the 34th minute. Albert Amoah restored Kotoko’s advantage just before half-time, only for Atule to equalise again in stoppage time, leaving the score 2-2 at the break.
Joseph Ablorh put Kotoko back in front early in the second half, and Amoah extended the lead from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after Patrick Asiedu was fouled. Kwara fought hard and pulled one back through Abdulraheem Shola in the 88th minute, ensuring the tie remains finely balanced.
The Nigerian side will now look to overturn the deficit in the return leg, which will be played in Abuja on 28 September. The aggregate winner will face Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club in the next round.