Nigeria’s sole representative in the 2022-23 CAF Confederation Cup Kwara United claimed a pivotal 3-1 win over champions RS Berkane in their Group stage playoff first leg. The Afonja Warriors picked up an important first leg advantage over their Moroccan opponents, Abbeylivenetwork.com reports.
Kwara United came from a goal down to defeat Confederations Cup defending Champions, RS Berkane, 3-1 in a dramatic encounter at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
Second-half goals from substitutes Taofeek Ahmed, Wasiu Jimoh, and Barnabas Daniel handed the Afonja Warriors a victory over Berkane who got an early goal from Cheick Ouattara.
It took the visitors just seven minutes to break the silence after Ouattara’s header from a corner beat Adewale Adeyinka.
Chisom Samuel’s chance to draw the home team level from a long-range shot went off target a minute later. Berkane, who settled fastest, almost scored a second goal through Burkinabe defender, Dayo Issoufou, but the shot went wide in the 11th minute.
Two minutes later, another attempt by Jimoh’s shot was saved by Goalkeeper Hamza Hamdani.
Berkane kept frustrating the hosts with a rigid defence as another attempt from Jimoh was parried for a corner kick after he had earlier saved Jide Fatokun’s header in the 26th minute.
Kwara United left it late to find their leveller as Ahmed Taofeek drew them level in the 73rd minute of the encounter after impressive work from the Afonja Warriors which culminated in a fine through ball by Adeshina Gata.
The match was turned on its head eight minutes later as Wasiu Jimoh made it two goals in two home games in this season’s CAF Confederation Cup as he gave his side the lead with a fine finish.
Kwara United completed their amazing turnaround in the 89th minute as Ayobami Junior crossed in beautifully for Barnabas Daniel to head home powerfully and send his bench and fans into raptures.
The Afonja Warriors will now take a two-goal lead back to Morocco where they will face each other once more in seven days’ time.
