Asante Kotoko have qualified to the round of 32 stage of the CAF Champions League after beating Kano Pillars 2-0 at the Baba Yara sports stadium in Kumasi on Sunday.
Goals from Kelvin Andoh and winger Emmanuel Gyamfi in each half secured the Porcupines the heartbreak saving victory over the Nigerian giants, setting up a clash with Tunisia’s Etoile Du Sahel in the next qualifying round.
Asante Kotoko took an early lead in the 2nd minute when a ferocious shot from speedster Emmanuel Gyamfi proved too hot to handle for goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso who punched it out which triggered a swift reaction from Kelvin Andoh who pounced on the rebound to struck home the opener.
Kotoko kept the pressure throughout the first half, Kano Pillars took over the midfielder later on and came into the game stronger after the Porcupines had taken the lead, but their efforts were not enough to beat Kotoko’s safest pair of hands, skipper Felix Annan as the home side maintained the solitary goal lead till half time.
Emmanuel Gyamfi made it 2-0 for the home side in the 80th minute after pulling out a nice link up with Richard Arthur before slotting home Kotoko’s second of the afternoon.
Efforts from both sides produced no further goal as referee Djindo Louis Houngnande from Benin blew for the end of proceedings with the Porcupines securing qualification to the next stage of the qualifying round on a 4-3 goal aggregate. Kotoko will host Etoile du Sahel in the first leg before traveling to Tunisia for the second leg for the round of 32 stage of the qualifying round.
