Asante Kotoko advanced to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup after grinding out a 1-0 win over Nigeria’s Kwara United on Sunday afternoon in Abeokuta.
The Porcupine Warriors had the advantage heading into the tie, following their thrilling 4-3 first-leg victory in Kumasi. In the return fixture, they put up a disciplined and composed performance to finish the job away from home.
Forward Hubert Gyau emerged as the hero, scoring the only goal of the match to seal a 5-3 aggregate win for Kotoko. The result sets up a mouth-watering clash against Moroccan heavyweights Wydad Casablanca in the next round.
Kwara United, who had to relocate the fixture from their Ilorin base to the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta due to renovation works, threw the gates open to attract fans. Despite the passionate backing, they struggled to find a way past Kotoko’s compact defence and organised shape.
The win also extended head coach Karim Zito’s remarkable away record in the CAF Confederation Cup. The former Dreams FC tactician is now unbeaten in eight matches on the road in the competition, underlining Kotoko’s growing pedigree on the continental stage.
