Tag: Asante Kotoko

Ghanaian football powerhouse, Asante Kotoko, will host Nigerian side Kwara United in Accra for their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first-leg clash, following ongoing renovations at their usual home ground, the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

The fixture, part of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup campaign, will be played at the Accra Sports Stadium — currently the only CAF-approved venue in Ghana.

The first leg is scheduled to take place between September 19 and 21, 2025, with the return leg set for September 26 to 28, at a yet-to-be-confirmed venue in Nigeria.

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Asante Kotoko, one of Ghana’s most decorated clubs, secured their place in the CAF Confederation Cup after finishing second in the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League. With the league champions earning a spot in the CAF Champions League, Kotoko, as runners-up, were awarded Ghana’s Confederation Cup slot, looking to restore continental glory after several years of underwhelming campaigns.

Kwara United, on the other hand, earned Nigeria’s second-tier continental ticket by reaching the final of the 2025 Nigeria FA Cup (also known as the Federation Cup). With the FA Cup winners already qualifying for the CAF Champions League via league standings, Kwara United—despite finishing as runners-up—were nominated to represent Nigeria in the Confederation Cup.

Both teams are aiming for a strong start in this preliminary round as they seek to advance through the competition’s rigorous stages and make a mark on the continental scene.

In what can only be seen as a piece of encouraging news for President Federation Cup champions, Kwara United, their opponents in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round, Asante Kotoko, have been dealt a significant injury blow.

The Ghanaian giants, who are set to face the Harmony Boys in a highly anticipated two-legged tie next month, will be without two of their key attacking threats – Peter Amidu Acquah and Elvis Kyei Baffour – after both sustained ankle injuries during pre-season preparations in Cape Coast, Ghana.

According to an official statement released by the Porcupine Warriors, both players are expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks, meaning they will miss the entirety of the CAF Confederation Cup first-round ties against the Nigerian side.

“We have been dealt a double setback ahead of the second phase of our pre-season in Cape Coast. Wingers Peter Amidu Acquah and Elvis Kyei Baffour have both been ruled out for six weeks with ankle injuries,” the club confirmed.

For Kwara United, this development provides a timely psychological edge as they prepare to return to continental football with renewed ambition and focus.

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The club’s technical crew has been putting the team through an intensive pre-season program in Ilorin and is expected to play a series of high-profile friendlies to fine-tune tactics and fitness levels ahead of the continental challenge.

A club official, speaking under anonymity, said: “Injuries are unfortunate, but in football, every edge matters. Asante Kotoko are a strong team, but missing two of their key players certainly gives us a boost going into the tie. We are not leaving anything to chance.”

Kwara United, who clinched the 2024/25 Federation Cup with a disciplined and tactically astute run, have retained the bulk of their squad while adding a few experienced legs in key positions.

The club is also expected to embark on a short training tour in Côte d’Ivoire later this month to further sharpen the team before the crucial CAF assignments.

The first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup tie is scheduled to be held in Ghana between September 19 and 21, with the return leg taking place in Nigeria between September 26 and 28.

Should Kwara United overcome Asante Kotoko, they will advance to face Wydad Casablanca of Morocco in the second preliminary round — a clash that promises even greater excitement and exposure.

For now, though, Kwara United are focused on the task at hand — and with their opponents already on the back foot, hopes are high in Ilorin that this might be the perfect time to strike.