Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco handed Ghana’s Asante Kotoko a heavy 5–1 defeat in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round match on Friday, sealing a 6–1 aggregate win to qualify for the group stage of the competition.
The one-sided encounter took place at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, where the Moroccan giants dominated from start to finish. Wydad wasted no time in announcing their intent, with Hamza Hanouri heading home the opener in just the first minute of play.
Kotoko, who had lost the first leg 1–0 in Accra, briefly fought back when captain Samba Oneil equalized with a powerful header from a Lord Amoah corner in the 18th minute. However, their joy was short-lived as Burkina Faso midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki restored Wydad’s lead seven minutes later, converting from close range after a defensive mistake by goalkeeper Aziz Dari.
Despite Kotoko’s efforts to stay in the game, the Moroccan side’s superior ball control and quick exchanges proved too much for the visitors. Thembinkosi Lorch extended the lead from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute after Dari fouled an opponent inside the box.
The Ghanaian side’s inexperience continued to show as Wydad piled on more pressure, adding two late goals through substitute Mohammed Bouchouari, who tapped in from close range to seal the emphatic victory.
Wydad’s triumph sees them advance to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, while Asante Kotoko bow out of the competition with a disappointing aggregate score of 6–1.
The result adds to Kotoko’s recent struggles in continental competitions, leaving fans questioning the club’s readiness for top-tier African football.
