Kotoko Edge Kwara United in Seven-Goal Thriller

Asante Kotoko SC marked their return to continental football in breathtaking fashion, defeating Nigerian side Kwara United 4-3 in a pulsating CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first-leg clash at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The Porcupine Warriors, backed by a fairly spirited home crowd, showed early intent and got their reward in the 18th minute. Emmanuel Antwi, sharp and inventive on the right flank, pounced on Albert Amoah’s teasing delivery which was flicked down by Philip Amoh that eluded the Nigerian defence. His first-time strike proved too powerful, slipping through the Kwara goalkeeper’s gloves to send Kotoko ahead.

But the lead didn’t last long. Kwara United hit back with a well-timed response, as Alure Johnmark punished Kotoko’s lapse in marking, directing a precise header into the bottom left corner to silence our home fans momentarily. 

Zito's warriors, however, found their rhythm again five minutes before the break. Red-hot forward Albert Amoah latched onto a clever cross from Asiedu, showing composure, Amoah hit a belter as the goalkeeper could only stand and watch to restore the lead. Yet, on the stroke of halftime, slack defending allowed Johnmark to grab his brace, leveling the scoreline at 2-2 in dramatic fashion.

With tempers flying in the stands, our men returned from the break with renewed aggression, and just two minutes into the second half, Joseph Ablorh rose highest to meet Antwi’s outswinging corner, thumping a header into the net to restore our advantage.

The Warriors extended their lead midway through the second half after referee Patrick Ivy Lr pointed to the spot for a late challenge on Asiedu, who unfortunately had to be substituted due to the injury. Amoah confidently converted the penalty, netting his second of the evening and giving Kotoko a comfortable two-goal cushion at 4-2.

Despite dominating possession and threatening a fifth goal, Kotoko’s defence faltered again in the closing stages. With three minutes to play, a miscommunication between Samba and new boy, Musa Hamzata gifted Kwara’s Shola a golden chance, which he duly buried from close range to make it 4-3.

The thrilling game ended with our warriors holding a slender advantage, leaving coach Abdul Karim Zito’s men with everything to play for in the return leg at the MKO Abiola Stadium Annex in Abeokuta next week. The Porcupine Warriors must defend their lead resolutely if they are to advance to the next stage of the competition.

Final Score: Asante Kotoko 4-3 Kwara UnitedGoals: Antwi (18’), Amoah (40’, 67’ pen), Ablorh (47’), Johnmark (28’, 45+1’), Shola (87’)