By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Kumasi Asante Kotoko secured a slim win over Kwara United of Nigeria in the first leg of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederation Cup preliminary round encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The Ghanaian side began the match on a good note and took the lead through Emmanuel Antwi, who finished emphatically from an Albert Amoah cross.
However, defensive lapses allowed Johnmark Aule to restore parity for the visitors midway through the half.
Kotoko restored their advantage three minutes before the break when Albert Amoah volleyed home Patrick Asiedu’s teasing delivery.
The away team responded instantly, as Aule completed his brace with a fine finish to send the tie into halftime at 2-2.
Just after the restart, defender Joseph Ablorh rose highest to head home from Amidu Acquah’s cross and restore Kotoko’s lead.
The home side looked to have put daylight between themselves and their opponents when Amoah converted a penalty after Walid Fuseini Neymar was fouled inside the area, making it 4-2.
Kwara, however, refused to back down and clawed one back in the 88th minute through Shola Abdulraheem, who reacted quickest to a rebound.
The Porcupine Warriors put incessant pressure on their opponents to increase their tally, but were unlucky to find the net for the fifth time.
Kotoko will travel to Nigeria for the return leg in Ilorin next week. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
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