Nigerian side Kwara United are upbeat about their chances of beating Asante Kotoko in the preliminary stage of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup.

The two teams were drawn against each other in the first round of the preliminary round as they marked a return to the continental stage.

Ahead of the game, which is scheduled for next month, Kwara United’s General Manager, Mallam Bashir Badawiy, is confident about his team's chances of advancing ahead of the Porcupine Warriors.

“The expectation is for us to do better than the last time we played in the Confederation Cup,” he told Akoma FM.

“We are not here to boast - football is the same everywhere. It’s not a war; it’s not do-or-die. We will try our best to make our fans, supporters, and well-wishers happy.

"There was a time Hearts of Oak dominated, then Kotoko won the league back-to-back. Later, Medeama became one of the best before Kotoko came back again. Things change in football, and so we will overcome this hurdle against Kotoko."

The first leg of the encounter will be staged at Kotoko's home between September 19 and 21, with the return in Nigeria from September 26 to 28.

The winner of the tie will face Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca in the next round.