Confed Cup: Kwara suffer narrow loss, Abia held at home News

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Confed Cup: Kwara suffer narrow loss, Abia held at home

By Daily Sports Nigeria on September 22, 2025

Kwara United began their 2025/26 continental campaign with a narrow 4-3 defeat away to Ghanaian outfit, Asante Kotoko, in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup encounter played at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Harmony Boys, who are bidding to secure a place in the group stages of the competition this season, went down in the 18th minute, courtesy of a goal from Emmanuel Antwi, before John Atule levelled matters in the 34th minute.

However, Kotoko retook the lead on the stroke of half-time through Albert Amoah, but Kwara proved a resilient force as they equalised deep into first half stoppage time after Atule got his brace of the afternoon.

Upon resumption of the second half, the Ghanaian outfit scored twice in the 47th and 73rd minutes respectively, through Joseph Ablorh and Amoah, whose penalty ensured he also got a brace in the encounter.

Kwara were not done, though, as they provided one more twist to the clash after Abdulraheem Shola found the back of the net with just five minutes left on the clock.

Coach Tunde Sanni’s men fought for an equaliser late on, but Kotoko held firm to secure their slim advantage heading into the second leg next week. Kwara will host the return fixture on September 27, with the winner on aggregate progressing into the next qualification phase of the competition.

Elsewhere, Abia Warriors could not make home advantage count, as they were held to a 1-1 draw against Djoliba of Mali, in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie played at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday.

The hosts went in front through Emeka Obioma in the 21st minute; however, they could not hold as Djoliba grabbed a crucial equaliser and a precious away goal in the 88th minute.

As it stands, Abia Warriors must score in the return fixture next week if they hope to secure a place in the next round of the competition.

Source Punch Ng

Posted September 22, 2025