Wydad edge Kotoko in Accra to take first-leg advantage

Asante Kotoko face an uphill battle in the CAF Confederation Cup playoff after a 1-0 defeat to Wydad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

The game began with Kotoko on the front foot, nearly taking the lead within the opening 10 minutes after creating a clear chance that went begging. That early opportunity would prove costly, as Wydad gradually took control of the match, creating several chances and looking more composed in possession.

Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Camara produced 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 wasn’t properly dealt with by Kotoko’s defence, allowing an unmarked Wydad player to fire home from close range for the opener.

Things went from bad to worse 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 managed to avoid further damage, though they struggled to create meaningful chances going forward.

The result means Kotoko must produce something special in the second leg in Casablanca to overturn the deficit and keep their Confederation Cup hopes alive.

 

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