By: Kwame Bediako
Asante Kotoko will face Nigerian side Kwara United in the first preliminary round of the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup.
The Ghanaian giants earned their place in the continental tournament after clinching the MTN FA Cup with a 2-1 win over Golden Kick FC.
This marks Kotoko’s return to the CAF Confederation Cup for the first time since 2022, and they aim to make a significant impact in the competition.
The tie will open in Kumasi with Kotoko hosting the first leg before travelling to Nigeria for the return leg against Kwara United.
Kwara United qualified for the Confederation Cup after winning their first-ever President’s Federation Cup title, edging Abakaliki FC in a dramatic penalty shootout following a goalless draw.
Kwara United from Nigeria
The two-leg preliminary round matches are scheduled for the weekends of September 19-21 (first leg) and September 26-28 (second leg) 2025.
The winner of this fixture will advance to face Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca in the second preliminary round, with the first leg of that round set for mid-October 2025.
The successful teams will then progress to the group stage, which kicks off on November 28, 2025. The knockout phase will begin in April 2026 as teams vie for the coveted CAF Confederation Cup title.
Kotoko’s campaign is backed by a strong domestic performance and support from the Ghana Football Association, which granted the club the license to compete.
The team is preparing rigorously for the challenge, including warm-up matches such as the Toyota Cup clash against Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa.
The club’s management and fans are optimistic about a solid showing on the continental stage.
This draw sets the stage for an exciting showdown between two competitive teams from West Africa, with both clubs hungry to progress and showcase their quality.
Asante Kotoko’s ambitions to return to former continental glory align with the CAF Confederation Cup’s intensified competition and greater financial incentives for participants, boosting the stakes for the Porcupines’ upcoming campaign.
