Asante Kotoko striker Albert Amoah has admitted defensive lapses nearly cost the Porcupine Warriors as they edged Nigerian side Kwara United 4-3 in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round clash at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The 28-year-old forward, who was the star of the game with a brace, praised his teammates’ attacking display but conceded that defensive mistakes allowed their opponents back into the contest.
“I think we played very well, we wanted to score more goals, we got the goals, but a few mistakes at the back cost us,” Amoah told the press after the match. “We conceded three goals, but we are not giving up; we are going there to qualify.”
Kotoko made a strong start in front of their home fans, with Amoah leading the charge. Emmanuel Antwi and Joseph Ablorh also found the net to give the Ghanaian giants a much-needed advantage, but Kwara United’s persistence ensured the tie remains finely balanced ahead of the return fixture.
The second leg will take place at the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium in Abuja on Sunday, September 28, where the Nigerians will look to overturn the narrow deficit. Kotoko, however, remain optimistic of finishing the job on the road.
The winner of the tie will face Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Athletic Club in the next round, a clash that promises to test Kotoko’s credentials should they advance.
