Kwara United’s CAF Confederation Cup journey came to an abrupt end on Sunday following a 1–0 defeat to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

The slim victory handed the visitors a 5–3 aggregate triumph, sealing their progression to the next round of the continental competition and dashing the hopes of the Harmony Boys, who had entered the return leg needing only a 1–0 win to advance.

After losing a pulsating first leg 4–3 in Accra last weekend, Kwara United were banking on their three away goals to overturn the deficit.

However, Asante Kotoko displayed greater composure and tactical discipline in Abeokuta, frustrating the hosts for much of the contest.

The decisive moment came midway through the second half when the Ghanaians capitalised on a defensive lapse to grab the only goal of the game — a strike that effectively ended any comeback hopes for the Nigerian side.

Despite a spirited late push from the home team, Kotoko held firm, relying on their experience and solid defensive structure to preserve their advantage.

Kwara United’s head coach, Tunde Sanni, had promised an attacking approach, but his side found it difficult to break down a compact Kotoko backline that absorbed pressure and hit on the counter.

The result means the Ilorin-based club’s continental adventure has ended at the preliminary stage, while Asante Kotoko will now turn their focus to a blockbuster next round clash against Moroccan champions Wydad Casablanca.

For Kwara United, the defeat marks a disappointing end to an otherwise promising campaign, but the team will take positives from their spirited away performance in Ghana and look to regroup for the upcoming domestic season.

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Nigeria’s Kwara United are brimming with confidence as they prepare to overturn a narrow first-leg deficit against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in this Sunday’s decisive CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round clash at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

Despite falling 4–3 in a thrilling encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium last weekend, the Harmony Boys returned home with three valuable away goals — a major lifeline that keeps qualification firmly within reach.

 A 1–0 or 2–1 win on home soil will be enough to see them through to the next stage.

In a show of intent, the team arrived early in Abeokuta on Monday to fine-tune tactical plans and acclimatize to the playing conditions ahead of the must-win tie.

Training sessions have been intense and focused, with emphasis on tightening the defence and improving finishing in front of goal.

Head coach Tunde Sanni expressed optimism that his players have learned from the first-leg experience, admitting that some key names failed to hit their stride in Accra.

“In that first leg, some of our top players could not come to the party,” Sanni remarked. “This time around, I pray that everybody plays very well so that we won’t concede. We have to beat them convincingly.”

The coach hinted at slight adjustments to his starting lineup but emphasized that the squad’s overall readiness and team spirit remain strong.

“At least one or two changes must be there, but we are set. We can play anybody. Everybody is ready now and understands what is at stake.”

While aware of the defensive risks, Sanni insisted that Kwara United would not compromise their attacking philosophy, which has become a trademark of the Ilorin-based club.

“We are an attacking team. We don’t play defensive football. We always look to attack while maintaining balance,” he added.

Although the team will be without the passionate backing of their Ilorin faithful, Sanni believes the Abeokuta pitch provides the right surface for his players to express themselves.

“Definitely, we’re going to miss our fans, but Abeokuta has a very good pitch, so we can play anywhere,” he noted. “It won’t be easy, but with hard work, we can get the result we need.”

A victory on Sunday would not only avenge last week’s defeat but also secure Kwara United a high-profile final-round clash against Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca — a fixture that would further underline the club’s growing stature in continental football.

For the Harmony Boys, the message is clear: attack with purpose, defend with discipline, and fight till the final whistle — as the journey to Africa’s group stage continues.

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Abia Warriors are determined to make history this Sunday when they take on Malian giants Djoliba AC in the return leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round clash at the Stade Mamadou Konaté in Bamako.

Following a 1–1 first-leg draw in Umuahia, the Nigerian debutants know only victory — or a high-scoring stalemate — will be enough to secure passage to the next round.

 Emeka Obioma’s 22nd-minute goal had given the Warriors an early lead at home before Ivorian striker Kader Armel struck late for Djoliba to level the contest.

Now, the Umuahia side must rise above the odds in what promises to be a stern test in hostile territory.

Despite the daunting task, head coach Imama Amapakabo remains confident in his team’s ability to deliver an upset.

“We know what’s at stake. I need to go back and work on a few things, but I believe we can do it. I’m very hopeful and I never give up,” Amapakabo said after the first leg.

For Abia Warriors, Sunday’s encounter represents more than just a football match — it’s a chance to etch their name in continental history.

Abia Warriors in ‘Last Super’ before the Big Match Day

This is the club’s first-ever appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup, and advancing past a seasoned side like Djoliba would mark a remarkable achievement.

Amapakabo has called for greater defensive discipline and sharper finishing in attack as key ingredients for success in Bamako. The coach has also urged his players to stay calm under pressure and take their chances when they come.

While Djoliba boast an impressive home record and strong form in recent outings, Abia Warriors are determined to defy expectations. The team has used their training sessions in Bamako to adapt to the conditions and fine-tune their tactical shape ahead of the decisive encounter.

Victory in Bamako would send the Nigerian side into the second preliminary round, where they would face the winner between USFA of Burkina Faso and AS Gbohloé-Su of Togo.

 The next stage is scheduled for October 17–26, with the lucrative group phase set to begin in November.

As the countdown to kickoff begins, Amapakabo’s men are drawing strength from belief, unity, and the dream of taking Abia Warriors further than ever before on the continental stage.

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