Nigeria’s Kwara United are brimming with confidence as they prepare to overturn a narrow first-leg deficit against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in this Sunday’s decisive CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round clash at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

Despite falling 4–3 in a thrilling encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium last weekend, the Harmony Boys returned home with three valuable away goals — a major lifeline that keeps qualification firmly within reach.

 A 1–0 or 2–1 win on home soil will be enough to see them through to the next stage.

In a show of intent, the team arrived early in Abeokuta on Monday to fine-tune tactical plans and acclimatize to the playing conditions ahead of the must-win tie.

Training sessions have been intense and focused, with emphasis on tightening the defence and improving finishing in front of goal.

Head coach Tunde Sanni expressed optimism that his players have learned from the first-leg experience, admitting that some key names failed to hit their stride in Accra.

“In that first leg, some of our top players could not come to the party,” Sanni remarked. “This time around, I pray that everybody plays very well so that we won’t concede. We have to beat them convincingly.”

The coach hinted at slight adjustments to his starting lineup but emphasized that the squad’s overall readiness and team spirit remain strong.

“At least one or two changes must be there, but we are set. We can play anybody. Everybody is ready now and understands what is at stake.”

While aware of the defensive risks, Sanni insisted that Kwara United would not compromise their attacking philosophy, which has become a trademark of the Ilorin-based club.

“We are an attacking team. We don’t play defensive football. We always look to attack while maintaining balance,” he added.

Although the team will be without the passionate backing of their Ilorin faithful, Sanni believes the Abeokuta pitch provides the right surface for his players to express themselves.

“Definitely, we’re going to miss our fans, but Abeokuta has a very good pitch, so we can play anywhere,” he noted. “It won’t be easy, but with hard work, we can get the result we need.”

A victory on Sunday would not only avenge last week’s defeat but also secure Kwara United a high-profile final-round clash against Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca — a fixture that would further underline the club’s growing stature in continental football.

For the Harmony Boys, the message is clear: attack with purpose, defend with discipline, and fight till the final whistle — as the journey to Africa’s group stage continues.

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Nigeria’s Kwara United showed spirit but fell just short in a seven-goal thriller against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko, losing 4–3 in their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first-leg tie on Sunday in Kumasi.

The Ilorin-based side twice came from behind in a pulsating contest but will return home needing a strong second-leg performance to keep their continental hopes alive.

Emmanuel Antwi opened the scoring for the hosts early on, but Kwara United hit back through Johnmark Atule, whose crisp strike silenced the Baba Yara Stadium. Kotoko restored their lead just before the break through Albert Amoah, only for Atule to level matters again with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser that sent the visitors into halftime brimming with belief.

The Porcupine Warriors, however, came out firing in the second half. James Ablorh’s powerful finish and a penalty from Amoah gave the Ghanaians a two-goal cushion, forcing Kwara United onto the back foot.

Kwara pulled one back late to keep the tie alive, ensuring that the return leg in Ilorin will be finely poised. With the away-goal rule scrapped by CAF, the Nigerian side must secure outright victory at home to advance.

Kwara United coach and players will now focus on tightening their defence while capitalising on their attacking verve, as Ilorin prepares for a decisive continental night.

Second legs take place next weekend. With away goals and aggregate scores to settle, several ties feel poised for late drama as clubs chase a place in October’s second preliminary round—and the route to November’s group stage.

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Nigeria’s continental debutants, Abia Warriors, were left heartbroken on Sunday after conceding a late goal in a 1–1 draw with Mali’s Djoliba in their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first-leg clash in Aba.

The Warriors, making their maiden appearance on the continental stage, looked set for a dream start when striker Emmanuel Obioma struck in the first half, capping their dominant opening spell and igniting celebrations among the home fans.

But experience counted for Djoliba, who refused to panic under pressure. The Malian visitors grew into the game and punished a lapse in concentration when they found an 88th-minute equaliser, leaving Abia Warriors ruing a missed opportunity for a statement victory.

The result leaves the tie delicately balanced ahead of the return leg in Bamako, where Djoliba will be banking on home advantage and their pedigree in African competitions.

For Abia Warriors, however, all hope is far from lost. The Nigerian debutants showed attacking flair and discipline for most of the encounter and will travel to Mali knowing that a disciplined, resilient performance could yet earn them passage to the next round.

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