2025/26 CAF CC: Dominant Wydad eliminate Kotoko with 6–1 aggregate win

Asante Kotoko’s hopes of reaching the 2025/26 Caf Confederation Cup group stage ended in disappointment after suffering a 5–1 thrashing at the hands of Wydad Casablanca in Morocco on Friday, bowing out 6–1 on aggregate following a 1–0 home loss in the first leg.

The Porcupine Warriors were stunned within the opening minute at the Mohammed V Stadium when Hamza Hannouri fired Wydad ahead to set the tone for a difficult evening.

Kotoko briefly rallied and levelled the match in the 18th minute through Samba Gilbani, who converted neatly from close range to offer a glimmer of hope. But the Moroccans quickly reasserted their dominance as Aziz Ki restored their lead on 26 minutes, capitalising on space down the right channel to finish a flowing move.

After the interval, Wydad dictated play and repeatedly forced errors from the tiring Ghanaian side. Their pressure yielded two penalties — the first dispatched by Thembinkosi Lorch in the 54th minute and the second by Oussama Zemraoui six minutes from time — before Mohamed Bouchouari added a fifth in stoppage time to complete the rout.

The defeat exposed Kotoko’s defensive frailties and lack of control over two legs, with Wydad’s superior quality and game management proving decisive.

With their continental campaign over, Asante Kotoko will now turn focus to the ongoing 2025/26 Ghana Premier League (GPL) and MTN FA Cup competitions to seek a route back to Africa next season.

Source: Footyghana