CAFCC: Asante Kotoko Better Than Kwara United - Sanni Admits

CAFCC: Asante Kotoko Better Than Kwara United - Sanni Admits

Precious Oham

Tunde Sanni of Kwara United has admitted that his team faced a better opponent in the 4-3 defeat to Ghanaian heavyweights, Asante Kotoko in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup first leg of the preliminary round, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The match, which was decided at the Accra Sports Stadium lived up to expectations as both sides started with high intensity, creating chances and testing each other’s defensive setups.

Asante Kotoko took the lead in the 18th minute through Emmanuel Antwi. Kwara United responded six minutes later when Johnmark Aule converted a cross from Kabiru Muhammed to make it 1–1.

As the first half approached its end, a defensive mix-up in Kwara United’s backline allowed Hubert Gyalu to restore Kotoko’s lead in the 45th minute.

The Harmony Boys showed great resilience, with Aule completing his brace in stoppage time to send the game into halftime level at 2–2.

The second half resumed with both teams adopting fresh strategies.

Just two minutes after the restart, Joseph Ablorh headed in a goal from a corner to put Kotoko back in front.

The hosts extended their lead to 4–2 in the 69th minute after being awarded a penalty, which Gyalu converted.

Kwara United reduced the deficit in the 87th minute when substitute Shola Abdulraheem finished off a pass from Junior Aimufua after an impressive run down the flank, ending the contest in a thrilling 4–3 scoreline.

Speaking after the game, Sanni said: "We didn't know that they are even better like this. Our assertion is not what we met, but they're a bit luckier today. That's it! They're coming to meet us at home as well."

The decisive return leg is scheduled for Sunday at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta, where Kwara United will be seeking victory to progress to the next round of the competition.