Kumasi Asante Kotoko dream of qualifying to the quarter-final stage of the CAF Confederation Cup comes to an abrupt end after defeat to Zesco United today at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Stephen Nyarko’s goal in the early minutes of the second half served as the only consolation for the Porcupines as they conceded two goals within the space of three minutes.
The first 45 minutes of the game was a ding-dong affair as both teams enjoyed possession but failed to find the net.
Kotoko came from the tunnel in the early minutes after the break with much resilience and finally had the opener from substitute Stephen Nyarko. Zabo Teguy had a great opportunity to make the score two for the Porcupines but failed to do so.
The Ndola based side who wanted to bow out of the game with a victory against the Porcupines had their turn of possession with Jese Were getting the equalizer before Mtonga had the second for the home side in the 56th minutes.
Frederick Boateng and Obed Owusu were introduced into the game to bring back qualification hopes to the Kumasi based side but all efforts went fruitless as Zesco United maintained their composure at the defence. The game ended 2:1 in favour of the home side.
The defeat means Asante Kotoko are out of the competition with seven points even though Nkana FC who were having nine points lost heavily at Khartoum against Al Hilal.
Al Hilal Omdurman after their victory today have qualified for the quarter-finals alongside Nkana FC with Asante Kotoko and Zesco United out of the competition.
