Wydad AC beat Kotoko 1-0, take first-leg advantage in Accra
By Victor Kwawu
Asante Kotoko face a tough task in the CAF Confederation Cup playoff after a 1-0 defeat to Wydad Athletic Club at the 40,000-capacity Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday evening.
Though it was not the result the Porcupine Warriors had hoped for, they had to face the harsh reality in Accra.
In the early minutes, Asante Kotoko dominated possession and created a clear chance within the opening ten minutes, but the opportunity went begging.
That miss proved costly as Wydad gradually took control of the match, creating several chances and showing more composure in possession.
Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Camara made some fine saves in the first half to keep the visitors at bay, but Wydad’s pressure eventually paid off after the break.
A corner kick in the 47th minute was poorly dealt with by Kotoko’s defence, allowing an unmarked Joseph Bakasu to fire home from close range for the opener.
Things worsened for Kotoko just two minutes later when Camara was sent off for handling the ball outside his penalty area while attempting to block a goal-bound effort.
Reduced to ten men, the Porcupine Warriors tried to mount a response, but their numerical disadvantage told as Wydad dominated possession and created several clear chances that could have extended their lead.
Despite being a man down, Kotoko showed resilience and avoided further damage, though they struggled to create meaningful chances going forward.
The result means the group stage phase is still within Kotoko’s reach, but Karim Zito’s men must produce something extraordinary in the reverse fixture on Friday, 24 October 2025, in Casablanca to overturn the deficit and keep their next-stage hopes alive.
