Asante Kotoko head coach Karim Zito has hailed his side’s resilience and attacking flair after they edged Kwara United 4–3 in a pulsating first-leg clash of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round at the Accra Sports Stadium.

The Ghanaian FA Cup champions were pushed to the limit by their Nigerian visitors, but goals from Albert Amoah (2), Emmanuel Antwi, and Joseph Ablorh ensured the Porcupine Warriors take a slender advantage into next weekend’s decisive second leg in Ilorin.

Speaking after the match, Zito acknowledged that Kwara United had been underestimated by many, but praised his players for rising to the occasion:

“It was a tough game. We all had our own thoughts when we heard of Kwara United. I told my players before the game that the fact that we got them as opponents shows they are good.”

He added:

"Nobody thought we could even score two or three goals. What makes me a little happy is that we won by four goals to three. Now I will plan how to go there and try to do what they came here to do.”

Kotoko struck first through Antwi in the 19th minute, but Kwara responded through Johnmark Atule. Amoah restored Kotoko’s lead, only for Atule to level again before halftime.

Ablorh’s header early in the second half made it 3–2, and Amoah converted a penalty to stretch the lead to 4–2. Kwara pulled one back late through Abdulraheem Shola, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to keep the tie alive.

Kotoko now travel to the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium for the return leg on Sunday, September 28, needing a disciplined performance to protect their lead. The winner of the tie will face Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club in the next round.