*Team departs for Ghana tomorrow
All roads will lead to the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday September 21,2025, as Ghanaian giants, Asante Kotoko and Nigeria’s Cup winners, Kwara United clash in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup Preliminary Round tie, a fixture already generating continental buzz.
For Asante Kotoko, this marks a highly anticipated return to the African stage after a five-year absence. The Porcupine Warriors, winners of the Ghana FA Cup, are brimming with confidence, buoyed by their domestic success and guided by the tactical nous of head coach Karim Zito.
Club officials have openly declared their readiness, with Communications Director, Sarfo Duku stressing that the team is fully motivated and eager to make a statement in front of their home fans.
Kotoko have been hard at work on video analysis, sharpening their transitional play and working on a compact defensive shape—traits Zito hopes will propel them deep into the competition.
Former star Michael Akuffo has already tipped the side as potential finalists, provided they replicate their domestic cohesion and keep discipline on the continental stage.
Yet, the Ghanaian champions know they cannot afford complacency against a Nigerian opponent with a point to prove.
Kwara United, fresh from winning the Nigerian President’s Federation Cup, arrive in Accra determined to upset the odds. Head coach Tunde Sanni insists his players are unfazed by Kotoko’s reputation, citing their ability to grind out results under pressure. He drew parallels with their recent away draw at Warri Wolves, stressing that if they could hold their nerve in Nigeria, they can do the same in Ghana.
Though Kwara sit mid-table in the Nigerian league, their strength lies in organization and resilience. The Ilorin-based side is expected to approach the tie cautiously—soaking pressure, frustrating Kotoko’s attacking rhythm, and relying on quick counterattacks.
Sanni has made it clear that a clean sheet in Accra would set the stage for a decisive return leg at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium in Ilorin next weekend.
Sunday’s contest is therefore, as much about strategy as it is about spirit. Kotoko, with their passionate home crowd, will look to seize the initiative and build a first-leg cushion. Kwara, on the other hand, will prioritize discipline and patience, hoping to keep the tie alive for their home advantage.
Beyond the immediate battle, the stakes are monumental: the winner over two legs will face Moroccan powerhouse Wydad AC in the next round, a clash that could define either team’s continental ambitions.
For Kotoko, it is about reclaiming lost glory on the African stage. For Kwara United, it is about making history and proving they belong among the continent’s elite.
One thing is certain—when the whistle blows in Accra, West African pride, continental recognition, and the hopes of two footballing nations will collide in 90 minutes of passion, grit, and ambition.
Meanwhile, Kwara United today held their final training in Nigeria as part of their preparation for the CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round clash against Asante Kotoko.
The training was held at the Main pitch of the Kwara Football Academy under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Tunde Sanni.
“The team wrapped up their final training session this morning and they are set to depart for Ghana tomorrow to take on Asante Kotoko in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday” a club official said.
Kwara United are expected to depart for Ghana via the Muritala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The match against the Ghana giants at the Accra Sports Stadium beginning from 4pm Nigerian time. The return leg of the game is expected to take place on Sunday 28th of September.
Meanwhile, over 250 journalists accredited for Asante Kotoko vs Kwara United in Accra this weekend.
The Ghanaian team have also intensified their training ahead of the game. It said on its official pages that it will conduct the final lap of its training session on Saturday ahead of the clash.
It’s the first time both teams would be meeting competitively and many look forward to the clash between the Nigerian President Federation Cup winner and the Asante Kotoko, who are regarded as the most successful team in the Ghanaian league with 25 titles.
