Wydad Humiliate Asante Kotoko 5-1 to Advance to CAF Confederation Cup Group Stage

Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club have emphatically booked their place in the group stage of the 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup after dismantling Ghana’s Asante Kotoko 5-1 in the second leg of their preliminary round tie on Friday, October 24, 2025, in Casablanca. The victory extends their aggregate triumph to 6-1, following the 1-0 win secured in Ghana last week.

From the outset, Wydad made clear their superiority. A lightning-fast opener came inside the first minute when Hamza Hannouri completed a sweeping move to give his side the lead, sending the home fans at the Stade Mohammed V into raptures. That goal immediately set the tone for a one-sided clash in which the Ghanaian visitors struggled to find any foothold in the game.

Kotoko did momentarily respond. In the 19th minute Samba Gilbani steered in an equaliser, offering a brief glimmer of hope for the Porcupine Warriors. But that optimism was short-lived. By the 26th minute Wydad had restored their lead through Aziz Ki, who arrived from midfield to slot home after his teammates carved open space on the inside-right channel. At half-time the score stood at 2-1 in favour of Wydad.

The second half saw Wydad turn up the intensity and push the contest beyond Kotoko’s reach. Thembinkosi Lorch extended the Moroccan lead in the 54th minute, converting a penalty with composure. Near the end of regulation time Oussama Zemraoui stepped up to convert a second spot-kick in the 85th minute, and Mohamed Bouchouari added the fifth with a late finish in stoppage time.

The result means Wydad extend their impressive continental record and reaffirm their status as one of Africa’s elite clubs. For Kotoko, however, this defeat marks a bitter and early exit from the competition, leaving Ghana’s Premier League without representation in the CAF Confederation Cup group phase this season. ModernGhana covers the full context of the elimination.

Several factors explain the margin of the victory. Wydad’s tactical discipline, sharpness in attack and dominance in both boxes contrasted starkly with Kotoko’s vulnerability on the break and lack of composure under pressure. The Moroccan side drew repeated fouls around dangerous areas, forcing the Ghanaian defence into lapses. As the minutes ticked by, Kotoko seemed to tire, and the momentum clearly shifted.

For Kotoko, the first leg defeat in Accra already placed them on the back foot. The 1-0 loss at home meant that any mistake in Morocco would likely be fatal. Once Wydad took the lead in the first minute, the Ghanaians had to chase the game aggressively, and that urgency played into Wydad’s gameplan of exploiting spaces left behind.

Wydad’s performance will have raised eyebrows across African club football. The precision of their transitions, the clinical nature of their finals balls, and their conversion of set-pieces and penalties highlight a side operating at an elite level of continental competition. The fact that they took control of the tie early and never gave the visitors time to settle speaks to both their experience and preparation.

For Ghana, the disappointment has multiple implications. Asante Kotoko’s exit joins a recent pattern of Ghanaian clubs struggling to make meaningful impact in CAF interclub competitions. The failure to reach the group stage means missed revenue, reduced exposure for players and the domestic league, and a diminished presence on the continental stage. The Ghana Premier League will undoubtedly be looking on with concern and reflection.

Beyond the result, this tie underscores the growing gulf in strategic investment, infrastructure and professionalism between top North African clubs and many of their West African counterparts. Wydad’s preparation, ability to manage games, and continental pedigree give them an edge. Ghanaian clubs, including Kotoko, face the challenge of closing that gap if they are to compete effectively.

Looking ahead, Wydad will wait for the group stage draw on Monday, November 3, 2025, to discover their opponents in the next phase of the competition. Their form heading into this stage suggests they will be a serious contender for the title and a formidable adversary for any club drawn alongside them.

For Kotoko, questions will be asked about preparation, strategy and mentality. A club of their stature would expect to handle this tie more competitively and push for qualification. The early conceded goal and the tactical collapse unique to second-half play will likely be scrutinised. Their continental season ends here, but the focus must shift quickly to domestic performance and planning for future campaigns.

Football fans across Ghana and Africa will continue to watch Wydad with interest. Their dominance in this tie is a reminder of what continental football demands at its highest level: consistency, character, and execution. As for Kotoko, despite the disappointment, the lessons from this exit could be pivotal for rebuilding and returning stronger.

Wydad Casablanca edge Asante Kotoko 1–0 in CAF Confederation Cup first leg in Accra