Kwara United have apologised to their supporters after bowing out of the CAF Confederation Cup at the preliminary stage.
Kwara United suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ghana’s Asante Kotoko in the return leg played at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta on Sunday.
Hubert Gyalu’s strike in the 53rd minute sealed the win for the Porcupine Warriors and condemned the Harmony Boys to a 5-3 aggregate loss.
Club chairman, Kumbi Titiloye, described the result as painful and assured fans that the team would regroup for the domestic season.
“We apologise to our teeming and loyal fans and supporters for this unfortunate result. It was never our plan to crash out at this early stage,” Titiloye said in a statement released through the club’s media.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s other continental campaigners, Rivers United, advanced to the next round of the CAF Champions League after edging FS Les Aigles of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Pride of Rivers secured a narrow 1-0 victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, thanks to a second-half effort from defender Stephen Manyo. That win gave them a 1-0 aggregate triumph over the Congolese side.
However, FS Les Aigles voiced their frustration after the loss, blaming officiating for their elimination.
“The Eagles of Congo have fought a tough battle in Uyo. Despite intense effort and unbreakable determination, they faced controversial refereeing decisions that weighed heavily in the balance,” the club said in a statement.
Rivers United will now turn their focus to the second-round clash against Mozambican side Black Bulls as they continue their quest for a group-stage ticket.
