By DoubleC Clinton

 

Abeokuta, Nigeria — Kwara United have been eliminated from the 2025 CAF Confederation Cup after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, sealing their exit with a 5-3 aggregate loss.

 

The Harmony Boys started the game on the front foot, dominating the first half and creating at least four clear-cut chances. However, a lack of clinical finishing saw them go into halftime goalless — despite having the better share of possession and opportunities.

 

Asante Kotoko, however, weathered the early storm and returned stronger in the second half. Their resilience paid off in the 53rd minute when forward Hubert Gyalu calmly slotted home the decisive goal, effectively ending Kwara United’s hopes of a comeback.

 

Despite late tactical and technical adjustments from Kwara United’s bench, the visitors’ defense remained rock-solid, frustrating every attempt by the hosts to find an equalizer. The final whistle confirmed Kwara United’s early exit from the competition.

 

Head Coach Tunde Sanni expressed disappointment in the result, especially the team’s missed chances in the first half, but struck a hopeful tone regarding the rest of the season.

 

“It’s a tough loss to take, especially at home, but we have to regroup quickly. Our focus now shifts back to the domestic league. We’ve learned valuable lessons from this campaign,” Sanni said.

 

Kwara United will now turn their attention to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with back-to-back home matches on the horizon — a rescheduled Matchday 5 tie against Plateau United on Thursday, followed by a Sunday clash with Abia Warriors. Both matches will be played at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex in Ilorin.

Teams Qualified for CAF Confederation Cup Round of 32:

 

🇪🇬 Zamalek

🇪🇬 Al Masry

🇲🇦 Wydad AC

🇩🇿 CR Belouizdad

🇩🇿 USM Alger

🇿🇦 Stellenbosch FC

🇬🇳 Hafia FC

🇸🇿 Royal Leopards

🇰🇲 KMKM SC

🇱🇾 Al Ittihad

🇲🇿 Ferroviário de Maputo

🇧🇯 Coton Sport

🇬🇶 15 de Agosto

🇸🇴 Dekedda

🇿🇦 Kaizer Chiefs

🇰🇪 Nairobi United

🇨🇮 Académie de FAD

🇨🇮 San Pedro

🇹🇿 Singida Black Stars

🇹🇳 Etoile du Sahel

🇧🇼 Jwaneng Galaxy

🇹🇳 Stade Tunisien

🇲🇦 Olympique de Safi

🇿🇲 ZESCO United

🇹🇿 Azam FC

🇧🇫 USFA

🇨🇬 Otoho d’Oyo

🇬🇭 Asante Kotoko