Asante Kotoko’s CAF Confederation Cup journey has come to an end after suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat to Wydad Casablanca in the return leg of their second preliminary round tie in Morocco.
The Porcupine Warriors, who lost 1-0 in the first leg in Accra, were hoping to overturn the deficit but found themselves overwhelmed by the Moroccan giants in front of a packed home crowd.
Wydad wasted no time, taking the lead inside the opening minute. Kotoko captain Samba O’Neil briefly gave the visitors hope in the 18th minute, rising highest to head home Lord’s corner to make it 1-1 — and 2-1 on aggregate.
However, Wydad quickly restored their advantage through Stephane Aziz Ki after a defensive lapse, sending the hosts into the break 2-1 up.
The second half belonged entirely to Wydad. Lorch extended their lead in the 53rd minute before two late goals in the closing stages sealed a commanding 5-1 victory and a 6-1 aggregate triumph.
The result ends Kotoko’s campaign in disappointing fashion, despite a spirited start in the qualifiers under head coach Abdul Karim Zito.
For Wydad, the win secures passage to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, while Kotoko will now turn their focus back to domestic competitions and rebuilding after their continental exit.
