Wydad Casablanca secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Asante Kotoko in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Despite a dominant first-half display from the Porcupine Warriors, who controlled possession but lacked cutting edge in the final third, it was Wydad who created the better chances.
Kotoko goalkeeper Mohammed Camara was called into action several times, producing key saves to deny the visitors and keep the game goalless at the break.
The deadlock was finally broken two minutes into the second half when Thembinkosi Lorch’s corner found Joseph Bakasu, who fired home from close range to give Wydad the lead.
Kotoko’s day went from bad to worse shortly after when goalkeeper Camara was sent off in the 50th minute, leaving the hosts to finish the game with ten men.
Wydad failed to make their numerical advantage count but held firm defensively to secure a vital away win.
The result marks Wydad as only the second Moroccan side to win on Ghanaian soil since FAR Rabat in 2005.
Kotoko, who had previously won seven of their eight meetings with Moroccan opposition, now face an uphill battle ahead of the return leg in Casablanca next week as they look to overturn the deficit and keep their group-stage hopes alive.
FKA/AE
Watch the livestreamed version of the match below:
