Asante Kotoko succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club in the second round first leg match of the 2025-2026 CAF Confederation Cup.
A second-half strike from Joseph Bakasu was enough to give the Moroccan club an advantage against Asante Kotoko, who played most of the second half with 10 men.
Kotoko were on the front foot right from the blast of the whistle by Sierra Leone referee Mohammed Buzin Koroma.
The Porcupine Warriors nearly found the back of the net midway through the first half, but Joseph Ablorh’s header went wide.
Kotoko, despite playing some good football in the first half, lacked quality in the final third.
Kotoko winger Peter Amidu had a glorious opportunity to open the scoring for his side in the 35th minute, but his curled effort went wide.
Wydad AC finished the half as the stronger side, and winger Thembinkosi Lorch had two chances in quick succession to give his side the lead, but Kotoko goalkeeper Camara pulled off two amazing saves.
Bakasu opened the scoring for Wydad AC after a superb volley from close range in the 48th minute.
Kotoko were reduced to 10 men after goalkeeper Camara was sent off by referee Buzin after handling the ball outside the penalty box.
Despite being reduced to 10 men, Kotoko were on the front foot as they searched for the equaliser in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Moroccan side managed the game very well after taking the lead and contained Kotoko’s relentless attack.
The Porcupine Warriors did have the ball at the back of the net, but Peter Amidu was adjudged to be in an offside position.
Wydad AC held on firmly to their lead at the end of 90 minutes.
The second leg scheduled for next week would see the two sides battle for a place in the group stages of the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League.
