Asante Kotoko edged out Nigerian side Kwara United 4-3 in a first-leg encounter in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, with both teams showcasing an attacking style that left fans on the edge of their seats.
The Porcupines, who had been eyeing a more comfortable margin to take to the return leg in Nigeria, were forced to battle hard after a dramatic game that saw both teams exchange blows in a rollercoaster of emotions.
Kotoko took the early lead in the 15th minute through Emmanuel Antwi, who unleashed a powerful shot from inside the box after a well-timed cross from Albert Amoah. However, the visitors responded quickly, taking advantage of some poor marking in the Kotoko defense. Johnmark Awule was left unmarked to pounce on a loose ball and level the score at 1-1.
The game continued at a frantic pace, with the Porcupines regaining the lead three minutes before halftime. Patrick Asiedu swung in a perfect cross from the left, which Amoah expertly volleyed into the back of the net to make it 2-1.
But just as Kotoko seemed to be asserting control, Kwara United hit back once more. Awule was involved again, finishing a slick one-two move with his teammate to score the equalizer and leave the match tied at 2-2 heading into the break.
The second half began with Kotoko reasserting themselves. Joseph Ablorh gave them a 3-2 lead just after the restart, heading home a precise delivery from Amidu Acquah. The hosts extended their advantage shortly after when Amoah made no mistake from the penalty spot. Walid Neymer had been brought down in the box, and Amoah’s coolly converted penalty gave Kotoko a seemingly comfortable 4-2 lead.
However, Kwara United weren’t finished. Despite trailing by two goals, they continued to press forward, and in the 88th minute, Shola Ibrahim pulled one back for the visitors. Ibrahim capitalized on a rebound inside the Kotoko box, narrowing the margin to 4-3 and giving the Nigerian side a glimmer of hope going into the second leg.
