<<Print>>

Asante Kotoko last Sunday surrendered their second-half 2-1 lead to a disappointing 3-2 loss against Kano Pillars in their CAF Champions League clash at the General Sani Abacha Stadium in Nigeria.

It was the home side that made the perfect start by taking the lead in the 13th minute through Paul Hilary, who overcame defender Ayiku Tetteh’s tackle to hit a low shot into the far post from inside the penalty box.

But Kotoko fought back strongly in the second half to equalize and take the lead before the 70th-minute mark.

New signing Justice Blay kept his head down to produce a low header beyond the helpless Kano Pillars goalkeeper to draw Kotoko level three minutes after the halftime break.

Then another new recruit Godfred Asiamah hit a direct free-kick straight into the net on 68 minutes.

But Kano Pillars improved and capitalized on some poor defending at the back by Kotoko to score two quick goals to win the match.

Kotoko will be hoping to advance by dispatching the Nigerian side in the return in Kumasi.

 The winners after the two-legged tie between Pillars and Kotoko are billed to face Hafia FC of Guinea or Tunisian club Etoile du Sahel in the next stage.

Meanwhile, Ashgold held Akonangui FC 1-1 in their CAF Confederation Cup first qualifying round first leg tie also on Saturday.

But the home side snatched the equaliser through Diosando Mbele.

The return leg will be at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi on August 25.