Kwara United began their 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a narrow 4-3 defeat away to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday.
The Harmony Boys, chasing a place in the group stage, fell behind in the 18th minute to an Emmanuel Antwi strike before John Atule equalised in the 34th. Kotoko regained the lead on the stroke of halftime through Albert Amoah, but Atule struck again in stoppage time to make it 2-2 at the break.
In the second half, Joseph Ablorh put Kotoko ahead in the 47th minute, before Amoah added a penalty in the 73rd to claim his brace. Kwara hit back late through Abdulraheem Shola in the 85th minute but could not find a leveller, leaving Kotoko with a slim advantage ahead of the return leg in Ilorin on September 27.
Meanwhile, Abia Warriors were held 1-1 by Mali’s Djoliba at the Umuahia Township Stadium. Emeka Obioma gave the hosts the lead in the 21st minute, but Djoliba struck back with an 88th-minute equaliser, snatching a crucial away goal.
Abia Warriors must now score in the second leg if they are to progress to the next round.
