Former Asante Kotoko defender Sheila Illiasu has advised the Porcupine Warriors to stay disciplined defensively in their CAF Confederation Cup playoff first leg clash against Wydad Athletic Club (WAC) of Morocco.
Speaking to Ghana Sports Page, the former Ghana international emphasized the importance of keeping a clean sheet when facing North African opponents, who are known for their tactical discipline and gamesmanship.
“The North Africans’ strategy is always to get a goal in the first leg, especially if it’s away, because in the second leg, they will frustrate you before the match, which makes it easy for them to win,” Illiasu explained.
“So I just hope we don’t concede. I want us to beat them without conceding. I’d even take a goalless draw. If we concede in this game, it will make the second leg difficult for us.” He told Ghanasportspage.com l.
Illiasu, who previously featured for both Kotoko and the Black Stars, also highlighted the vast investment gap between North African and West African clubs but insisted that Kotoko’s pedigree remains a psychological advantage.
“The North Africans — not only WAC — have really invested in their football compared to us in West Africa. If you compare player to player, we are nowhere near the quality they have. But the name Kotoko alone sometimes puts fear in teams,” he noted.
Asante Kotoko will host Wydad Athletic Club at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 15:00 GMT kickoff time.
