CAF Confederation Cup: Kwara United Fall 4-3 to Kotoko, Abia Warriors held at home

Kwara United began their 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup campaign on a losing note after a thrilling 4-3 defeat to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in the first leg of their encounter at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi, on Sunday.

The Harmony Boys, chasing a place in the group stages of the competition, fell behind in the 18th minute to Emmanuel Antwi’s strike, but John Atule restored parity in the 34th minute.

Kotoko regained the lead on the stroke of half-time through Albert Amoah, only for Atule to complete his brace in first-half stoppage time to send both sides into the break level at 2-2.

The hosts came out flying after the restart, with Joseph Ablorh netting in the 47th minute before Amoah converted a penalty midway through the second half to make it 4-2.

Kwara United, however, kept the contest alive when Abdulraheem Shola struck with five minutes left, but Kotoko held on to take a slim advantage into the second leg in Ilorin on September 27.

Meanwhile, Abia Warriors also face an uphill task after being held to a 1-1 draw by Malian side Djoliba at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

Emeka Obioma put the Warriors ahead in the 21st minute, but Djoliba struck late in the 88th minute to grab a crucial away goal. The Nigerian side must now score in the return leg in Bamako to advance to the next round.