Ghanaian clubs experienced mixed fortunes in the CAF interclub competitions over the weekend, with Asante Kotoko making a positive start in the Confederation Cup while Bibiani Goldstars faltered in their maiden Champions League outing.
In the Confederation Cup preliminary round, Kotoko thrilled fans with a dramatic 4-3 victory on Sunday at the Accra Sports stadium.
Emmanuel Antwi struck in the 18th minute to put the Porcupine Warriors ahead, but Johnmark Atule soon levelled for Kwara.
Albert Amoah restored Kotoko’s advantage before half-time, only for Atule to grab his second in stoppage time, sending the teams into the break locked at 2-2.
The second half brought no respite. Joseph Ablorh fired Kotoko back in front straight after the restart, and Amoah’s penalty on 73 minutes appeared to seal control at 4-2.
Yet Kwara hit back through Shola Abdulraheem late on, forcing Kotoko to dig deep to preserve their slender one-goal lead ahead of the second leg in Ilorin.
Bibiani beaten
Earlier on Saturday, Bibiani Gold Stars endured a harsh introduction to continental football in their Champions League preliminary clash.
Kabylie’s Mehdi Merghem punished slack defending with a 20th-minute opener, before Babacar Sarr doubled the advantage midway through the second half.
Despite flashes of promise, the Ghanaian debutants could not find a response, leaving themselves with a mountain to climb when the tie shifts to Tizi Ouzou.
The return legs in Nigeria and Algeria will decide whether Ghana can keep both hopes alive in CAF’s interclub competitions.
At the moment, Kotoko hold the brighter prospects, while Bibiani face a daunting test away from home.
