Kwara United provided old buses without air conditioners – Kotoko in Nigeria 

Asante Kotoko’s Director of Communications, Sarfo Duku, has expressed disappointment over the team’s reception in Nigeria ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round second-leg tie against Kwara United, saying they were provided “old” buses without air conditioners.

Upon arrival in Lagos, the Ghanaian champions were transported to Abeokuta in buses that Duku described as “old” and lacking air conditioners. “We provided old buses without air conditioners,” reflects the less-than-ideal conditions the team faced.

Speaking to Luv FM, Duku said, “We expected that they were going to reciprocate that. Unfortunately, the buses that we provided for us were quite old and even without air conditioners, and we had to take them like that. We are using our own buses now.”

He added that some players struggled to adjust due to the bus’s size and seat proximity, saying, “Some of our tall players were finding it difficult to adjust because of the size of the bus and how close the seats were; it was terrible.”

Kotoko holds a narrow 4-3 advantage over Kwara United following their first-leg win in Kumasi. A positive result in Abeokuta would see them advance to face Wydad Casablanca in the next round.

The team touched down in Lagos on Friday before embarking on a two-hour road trip to Abeokuta, where Sunday’s decisive encounter will be staged.

According to reports, the reception of visiting teams is crucial for maintaining good relations and ensuring a smooth competition process in African football.

Meanwhile, Kwara United head coach Tunde Sanni has admitted his side underestimated Asante Kotoko after their thrilling first leg clash in the CAF Confederation Cup ended 4-3 in Accra.

The Nigerian side twice came from behind to level the scoreline before Kotoko, Ghana’s FA Cup winners, stretched their lead with two quick goals.

Kwara United pulled one back late on to narrow the deficit ahead of the decisive second leg in Abeokuta next week.

“We didn’t know they were this good. Our assertion is not what we met, but they were a bit luckier today,” Sanni told reporters after the game. “They’re coming to meet us at home as well.”

The entertaining contest saw both teams go toe-to-toe in attack, producing seven goals on a night that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Kwara United, who had little prior knowledge of Kotoko’s recent form, were forced to chase the game after conceding early.