Asante Kotoko are hoping to avoid a potential ‘embarrassment’ against Nigeria’s Kwara United as the two sides meet in the first preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The draw, held on Saturday in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, pits the Porcupines against Kwara United in Kumasi between September 19 and 21, 2025.

The return leg is scheduled for September 26 to 28 in Nigeria.

The 26-man squad headed by head coach Karim Zito, is currently in Cape Coast for preseason preparations.

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— Asante Kotoko SC - 2X CAF CL Winners (@AsanteKotoko_SC) August 7, 2025

"[Against Kwara] It is not a done deal for Asante Kotoko," the club's Communications Director, Lawyer Samuel Sarfo Duku, told Asempa FM.

"Qualifying for the Confederation Cup means they [Kwara] have made some investments [in the squad]. We have to prepare very well so we don't bring any embarrassment. They are our West African neighbours, so the stakes are high.

"It is a very serious match, and we have to prepare well to scale the first hurdle.”

If Kotoko advance, they will face Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca in the second preliminary round.

Up next for Kotoko is the GHALCA Top Four competition, scheduled for August 20 at the Accra Sports Stadium.