Asante Kotoko manager was left frustrated after his side blew a golden opportunity to secure an early Caf Confederation Cup quarter-final berth. Kotoko drew 1-1 with Al Hilal of Sudan in Kumasi.

With Nkana beating Zesco 3-0 at home, Kotoko needed a win against Hilal to go through to the knockout stage for the first time since 2005. But Kotoko were lucky not to lose after striker Songne Yacouba scored a late equaliser. 

“Throughout the week, we weren’t ourselves. Honestly, I don’t know what happened but Conte (Kwame Bonsu) who has been the been the engine of the team wasn’t himself today. We really suffered in the game and the draw feels like a defeat,” Akonnor said after the match. 

“No coach would be happy with the results. We kept losing key players in the team. Sometimes it’s difficult.”

The draw means Kotoko must win their last group game in Zambia against Zesco. Whatever happens between Al Hilal and Nkana matters not.

“Now we have to go to Zambia and win whatever the situation. Those who are injured are injured. We have to make do without them.”

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