Asante Kotoko Vs Kwara United Ends In Seven-Goal Thriller, Remo Stars Shine In Abeokuta

Ghanaian giants, Asante Kotoko survived a tense evening in Kumasi to beat Kwara United 4-3 in a CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round clash that had fans on their feet until the final whistle.

Asante Kotoko twice looked in control, yet Kwara United’s ability to score three times away from home may prove decisive when the tie shifts to Abeokuta in Ogun state on September 28.

Kotoko struck first through Emmanuel Antwi in the 19th minute, but the Nigerians responded through Johnmark Atule, who found the net in the 34th minute. Albert Amoah’s penalty just before halftime restored Kotoko’s lead, only for Atule to level again in stoppage time.

The second half carried the same drama. Joseph Ablorh put Kotoko 3-2 ahead within two minutes of the restart, and Amoah struck again in the 73rd minute. That looked like the cushion the home fans needed, until Abdulraheem Shola pulled one back for Kwara with just two minutes of normal time left.

After the final whistle, Kwara United’s coach, Tunde Sanni, made his feelings clear. “Kotoko were lucky, they will come and meet us in Nigeria,” he said, backing his side to finish the job at home.

Note that the away goals rule still applies in CAF competitions, which means Kwara United need only one goal in the second leg without conceding to knock Asante Kotoko out. That prospect ensures the return fixture will be anything but straightforward.

Elsewhere, Nigeria’s Remo Stars took firm control of their CAF Champions League preliminary round tie with a 4-0 win over US Zilimadjou of Comoros.

Leonard Ngenge, Ebuka Anthony, Adama Goita and Samson Olasupo were all on the scoresheet as the Sky Blue Stars underlined their intent to make a mark in continental football this season.

The second leg of the tie will take place at the same venue, M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, on Friday, September 26.

Source: Naijanews