Kwara United opened their CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a 4-3 defeat to Ghana’s Asante Kotoko in Kumasi, despite a spirited showing at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Emmanuel Antwi struck first for the hosts in the 18th minute before John Atule equalised midway through the half.
Albert Amoah restored Kotoko’s lead on the stroke of half-time, only for Atule to level again in stoppage time.
The second half proved decisive, as Joseph Ablorh fired in just after the restart and Amoah converted a penalty to give Kotoko daylight.
Kwara hit back late through Abdulraheem Shola, but could not find a fourth as the Ghanaian side held on to take a slender advantage into the second leg on September 27 in Ilorin.
Elsewhere, Abia Warriors were pegged back to a 1-1 draw by Mali’s Djoliba in Umuahia.
Emeka Obioma gave the hosts the lead in the 21st minute, but an 88th-minute equaliser handed the visitors a vital away goal ahead of the return fixture.
Both Nigerian sides now face uphill tasks in their bids to reach the next stage of the competition.
