CAF Confed Cup: How Asante Kotoko can qualify for the next round

Asante Kotoko fought out a goalless draw at Kariobangi Sharks last Saturday at the Moi international sports center in Kasarani during the first leg of their Confederation Cup First Round fixture.

There are two possible ways for C.K Akonnor and his team to advance to the play-off round where the Champions league First round losers drop to join.

For starters, what is obviously most important to note is that the only way for Kotoko to qualify avoiding the penalty shoot out route is to win the game in 90 minutes.

In fact any type of win is enough to advance the Ghanaian side. A 1-0 win, 2-1, 3-2 etc sees Kotoko through but any scoring draw like 1-1, 2-2, 3-3 etc eliminates the Porcupine Warriors and hands Kariobangi Sharks the ticket to the play-off round because of the away goal rule.

However in case of a another scoreless game after 90 minutes in the second leg scheduled for December 22 at the Babayara sports stadium, penalty shoot outs will be used to decide the tie and this represent the second way to advance.

Note that no extra time is applied at the this stage of the competition.

Evidently this means the only way Kotoko can qualify without needing a shoot out victory is to win the game straight away within regulation time of 90 minutes to avoid any shoot out disappointment which has become the bane of majority of Ghanaian teams.