CAFCC: Kwara United Crashes Out

CAFCC: Kwara United Crashes Out

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria's representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, Kwara United, has bowed out of the competition after failing to overturn their first-leg deficit against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Afonja Warriors entered the second leg encounter, played at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, needing a solid win to progress following their narrow 4-3 defeat in Kumasi the previous weekend.

The Nigerian side started brightly, piling early pressure on the visitors with hopes of finding an early breakthrough.

Despite their dominance in possession and several goal attempts, Kwara United struggled to break down a compact Kotoko defence marshalled by their experienced backline.

The Ghanaian side remained disciplined and relied on quick counter-attacks to unsettle the hosts. The turning point came in the 54th minute when Kotoko capitalised on a defensive lapse from Kwara United to score the opening goal of the match.

The strike not only silenced the home crowd but also left the Nigerian side with a mountain to climb, as they now needed at least two goals without reply to stay alive in the tie.

Kwara United fought valiantly, with chances falling to their attacking trio, but poor finishing and Kotoko’s resilient defending meant the goals never came. 

The frustration of the players and technical crew was evident as time ticked away, and the visitors grew in confidence with every passing minute.

At the final whistle, it was heartbreak for the Nigerian side as the aggregate score stood at 5-3 in favour of Asante Kotoko, who progressed to the next round of the competition.

For Kwara United, the result marks the end of their continental adventure this season, while Kotoko will look forward to the upcoming stages with renewed optimism.