Asante Kotoko opened their 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Nigeria’s Kwara United in Accra, while debutants Abia Warriors were held to a 1-1 draw by Mali’s Djoliba in Uyo.
At the Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana FA Cup champions Kotoko struck first through Emmanuel Antwi’s long-range effort in the 19th minute.
Johnmark Atule equalised for Kwara in the 34th minute before Albert Amoah restored the lead with a fine strike on the stroke of half-time. Atule struck again in stoppage time to send the teams in level at the break.
Joseph Ablorh put Kotoko 3-2 up early in the second half, and Amoah converted a penalty in the 68th minute after Patrick Asiedu was fouled. Kwara, however, reduced the deficit through Abdulraheem Shola in the 88th minute, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the return leg in Abuja on 28 September.
The aggregate winner will face Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club in the next round.
Abia Warriors mark continental debut
In Uyo, Nigeria’s Abia Warriors played their first-ever continental fixture, drawing 1-1 with Djoliba of Mali at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Chuwuemeka Obioma wrote his name into club history with the Warriors’ first goal in CAF competition, heading home in the 21st minute. But late drama saw Djoliba equalise in the 88th minute to deny coach Imama Amapakabo’s side a famous win.
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Amapakabo admitted his team were punished for lapses in their play. “We drew the game by our subs. Possession without purpose doesn’t result in anything.
At a point, my team started flighting the ball without winning first or second balls. The Malian team were purposeful, they knew what they wanted, and we were not returning in good numbers. We got punished, we will go back and review and look at things we need to do going forward.” he told reporters after the match.
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The second leg takes place in Bamako on 28 September at the Stade du 26 Mars, with the winner set to face either Burkina Faso’s USFA or Togo’s AS Gbohloe-su in the second preliminary round.
