Asante Kotoko claimed a narrow 4-3 victory over Nigerian side Kwara United in the opening leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary tie in Accra.

The Ghanaian giants looked in control at several stages, with goals from Emmanuel Antwi, Albert Amoah and Joseph Ablorh putting them ahead.

Amoah later added a second from the penalty spot to make it 4-2.

But defensive lapses proved costly, as Kwara’s Johnmark Aule struck twice in the first half and Shola Abdulraheem reduced the deficit late on.

The result leaves the tie delicately poised heading into next week’s return fixture in Ilorin, where Kotoko will need greater defensive discipline to progress.