Kotoko seek redemption against Wydad in crucial CAF Confederation Cup playoff

Asante Kotoko will face one of their sternest challenges in recent years when they welcome Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club to the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday in the CAF Confederation Cup playoff round. The Porcupine Warriors will aim to secure a strong first-leg advantage before the return encounter in Casablanca.

Both sides are clubs of CAF Champions League pedigree but find themselves in this year’s Confederation Cup after underwhelming domestic campaigns. For Wydad, continental pedigree remains intact; they were part of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year, featuring against global heavyweights Manchester City and Juventus. Their experience at that level still makes them a daunting opponent.

Kotoko, once a powerhouse of African football, dominated the continent in the 1980s, winning two CAF Champions League titles and appearing in several finals. They continued to make their mark into the early 2000s but have struggled to replicate that success in recent years. This will be their first appearance in an African competition since 2020, when they exited the Confederation Cup at the group stage. Their last group-stage qualification came in 2019 under Charles Akonnor, a reminder of how difficult continental qualification has become for the club.

That history makes Kotoko underdogs heading into this tie, but there is renewed optimism under head coach Karim Zito. The experienced trainer guided Dreams FC to an impressive semi-final finish in the same competition two seasons ago, only falling to eventual champions Zamalek. His ability to inspire belief in young players could prove decisive once again.

"It’s very, very important to us [to win in Accra] because I told them, you will not see Africa until you are in Africa," Zito told Joy Sports. "This is the opportunity for them to exhibit their talent, and then, as we did on the field, for people to trust them so that they can go into the group stage, and we will do our best there."

Though Kotoko will play away from their traditional Baba Yara Stadium, deemed unfit by CAF, they can draw confidence from their previous round victory over Kwara United, which also began in Accra. Fans have mobilised throughout the week to create a vibrant atmosphere that will spur the team on against one of Africa’s most seasoned sides.

A positive result at the Accra Sports Stadium will not only boost Kotoko’s confidence ahead of the return leg in Morocco but could also mark the beginning of a long-awaited revival for one of Ghana’s most storied clubs.