Kwara United embarked on their 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup journey with a thrilling yet ultimately disappointing 4-3 defeat against Asante Kotoko in Kumasi, Ghana. The Nigerian side, nicknamed the Harmony Boys, displayed resilience and attacking prowess, matching their Ghanaian counterparts blow for blow in a pulsating encounter. Despite the loss, Kwara United’s three away goals provide a glimmer of hope for the second leg, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic showdown in Ilorin.
The match unfolded as a captivating back-and-forth affair. Asante Kotoko drew first blood in the 18th minute through Emmanuel Antwi, but Kwara United’s John Atule swiftly responded with an equalizer in the 34th minute. However, the Ghanaian side regained their lead just before halftime courtesy of Albert Amoah. Undeterred, Kwara United showed their fighting spirit as Atule completed his brace in first-half stoppage time, restoring parity once more.
The second half continued in the same exhilarating vein. Asante Kotoko struck twice in quick succession, with Joseph Ablorh netting in the 47th minute and Amoah securing his brace from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute. Despite facing a two-goal deficit, Kwara United refused to surrender. Abdulraheem Shola reignited their hopes with a late goal in the 85th minute, setting up a tense finish. While Kwara United pressed for a late equalizer, Asante Kotoko held firm to preserve their slender advantage heading into the return leg.
Meanwhile, in another CAF Confederation Cup encounter, Abia Warriors were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Djoliba of Mali at the Umuahia Township Stadium. The Nigerian side seized the early initiative, with Emeka Obioma giving them the lead in the 21st minute. However, their inability to capitalize on their home advantage proved costly as Djoliba snatched a crucial equalizer in the 88th minute, securing a valuable away goal.
Abia Warriors now face an uphill battle in the second leg. The away goal conceded means they must find the net in Mali to keep their hopes of progressing alive. The draw underscores the importance of converting chances and maintaining defensive solidity, lessons Abia Warriors will need to heed if they are to advance in the competition.
Kwara United’s away goals have injected an element of suspense into their tie. The three goals scored in Kumasi provide a significant advantage, meaning a 1-0 victory or even a 2-1 defeat in the second leg would see them through. Coach Tunde Sanni’s men now have a week to regroup, analyze their performance, and devise a strategy to overturn the deficit and secure their passage to the next round. The second leg promises to be a tense and thrilling affair, with Kwara United aiming to leverage their home advantage and the psychological boost of their away goals.
Abia Warriors face a tougher challenge. Djoliba’s late equalizer has shifted the momentum in their favour, and the away goal significantly complicates Abia Warriors’ path to the next round. For Abia Warriors to progress, they must adopt a more proactive approach in the second leg, seeking to score while remaining vigilant at the back. Failing to find the net in Mali would spell the end of their continental campaign, adding pressure on the Nigerian side to deliver a strong performance in the away fixture.
The first leg results highlight the unpredictable nature of football and the fine margins that can determine success in continental competitions. Both Kwara United and Abia Warriors demonstrated resilience and attacking intent but also revealed defensive vulnerabilities. The return legs will test their ability to learn from the first encounters, adapt their strategies, and execute their game plans effectively under pressure. For Kwara United, the focus will be on converting home advantage and capitalizing on the away goals scored in Ghana. For Abia Warriors, the challenge is even steeper, requiring a more dynamic and clinical performance in Mali to overturn the disadvantage and keep their continental dreams alive.
The contrasting fortunes of the two Nigerian sides underscore the importance of both attack and defense in cup competitions. While Kwara United’s attacking prowess yielded valuable away goals, their defensive frailties allowed Asante Kotoko to establish a narrow advantage. Abia Warriors, despite taking the lead at home, paid the price for conceding a late equalizer, adding to the difficulty of their task in the second leg.
The return legs promise to be captivating encounters, with both Nigerian teams needing strong performances to progress. Kwara United hold a slight edge due to their away goals, but Asante Kotoko will be determined to protect their lead on home turf. Abia Warriors face a more daunting task, needing to score in Mali to keep their hopes alive. The second legs will be a test of character, tactical acumen, and the ability to perform under pressure for both Nigerian sides as they strive to advance in the CAF Confederation Cup.
