HIGHLIGHTS: Asante Kotoko 0-1 Wydad Casablanca – 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup 2nd prelims

Asante Kotoko suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup playoff at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday. A second-half strike from Joseph Bakasu proved decisive, giving Wydad a crucial away advantage ahead of the return leg in Casablanca. Kotoko began brightly, dominating early possession and creating the first clear chance when Albert Amoah missed Samba Oniel’s clever flick inside the box. Amidu Acquah later went close with a low drive that flashed narrowly wide. Goalkeeper Mohammed Camara kept Kotoko in the contest with key saves from Lorch and Aziz Ki before halftime. However, just a minute into the second half, Lorch’s teasing cross found Bakasu, who calmly slotted home to silence the home fans. Kotoko’s hopes faded when Camara was sent off for pushing the referee, leaving the hosts with ten men. Substitute Emmanuel Antwi nearly levelled with a free kick that flew inches over the bar, while Donzo Morifing’s late strike was disallowed for offside. Despite their resilience, Kotoko could not find the equaliser. Wydad defended resolutely, holding on for a vital away victory that sets up a tense second leg in Casablanca, where a group stage place will be at stake.