Kwara United are set for one of the biggest nights in their history as they prepare to face Ghanaian giants, Asante Kotoko in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.
The first leg of the Confederation Cup game will be played on Sunday, September 21, at the Accra Sports Stadium with kickoff fixed for 4 p.m. (WAT)
For the Harmony Boys, this fixture is more than just a football game. It carries the weight of history, the pride of a city, and the echoes of an old Nigeria Vs Ghana rivalry. Head coach Tunde Sanni, who masterminded Kwara United’s President Federation Cup triumph last season, believes his side is ready for the challenge.
Kwara United’s form in the Nigeria Premier Football League this season shows a team growing in confidence. They opened their campaign with a goalless draw against Ikorodu City on August 24.
A week later, they fell 1-0 away to Rivers United. That setback was followed by a strong response on September 7 when they defeated Kun Khalifat 2-0 at home. Their latest result was a hard-fought draw away against Warri Wolves on September 14.
Two clean sheets in four matches underline a defensive stability that could serve them well in Ghana, although the team still struggles to find goals in tight contests. Sanni admits that the focus in training has been on sharpening the attack while maintaining balance.
“We are preparing very well,” the coach told Naija News. “The players returned to our base earlier this week, and we’ve intensified training. By Thursday, we will leave for Lagos, from where we’ll connect our trip to Accra. Our sessions have been purposeful, and the boys are focused on Sunday’s game.”
Kotoko’s Revival
Asante Kotoko’s recent results paint a picture of a team rediscovering its rhythm. Their August pre-season friendlies were poor by their own standards, with back-to-back defeats against Bibiani Gold Stars, Lions, and Hearts of Oak. But the Porcupine Warriors turned things around when it mattered most, edging Bibiani Gold Stars in the Ghana Super Cup final on August 31.
They carried that momentum into the Ghana Premier League with a slim but important 1-0 away victory over Berekum Chelsea on September 13. Those wins have lifted morale in Kumasi and Accra, and with a loyal fan base behind them, Kotoko will be eager to strike first in front of their home crowd.
The Nigeria Vs Ghana Rivalry
Football between Nigeria and Ghana has never been ordinary. Every encounter comes loaded with history, pride, and bragging rights. Club or country, the rivalry always stirs emotions across West Africa. Sunday’s Confederation Cup tie is no different.
“Everybody knows the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, and this match is another chapter in that story,” Sanni told Naija News on Tuesday, September 16. “They are preparing, and we are preparing too. Both sides have a date on Sunday, and by God’s grace, we hope to carry the day.”
For Coach Tunde Sanni, this campaign is personal. Leading Kwara United to their first-ever Federation Cup title last season was a breakthrough. It opened the door to continental football for the first time in the club’s history.
“I feel proud because what we achieved last season was historic for the club,” he explained. “Taking Kwara United to the continent has always been a dream, and I thank God it has become a reality. But I don’t want to stop there, I want to achieve even more.”
Sanni has never underestimated the role of fans in Kwara United’s journey. He believes their faith and energy fuel the team in difficult moments.
“My message to our fans is simple: believe in us,” he urged. “Don’t be doubting Thomases. Without belief, we wouldn’t have won the Federation Cup. Let us stay united, prayerful, and supportive. If we do this, the team will surprise everyone again.”
Looking ahead, Kwara United boast a compact defence and the hunger of underdogs, while Asante Kotoko have momentum and the backing of a passionate home crowd.
The first leg in Accra will set the tone for the return fixture in Ilorin. For Kwara United, stealing an away result could be the difference between progression and heartbreak. For Kotoko, a home victory is almost non-negotiable.
What is certain, though, is that when Nigeria and Ghana share a football pitch, the drama writes itself.
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