CAFCC: “Kotoko stands good chance of eliminating Kwara United” – Mutawakilu

Former Ghana U-20 goalkeeper Seidu Mutawakilu has tipped Asante Kotoko to beat Kwara United in the preliminary round of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup.

The Porcupine Warriors will first host the Illorin based club in the first leg between the weekend of September 19 and 21, before travelling for the return fixture from September 26 to 28.

Both Kotoko and Kwara United qualified for the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup by virtue of winning their various FA Cups last season.

He is one of the few players to have played for Ghana’s top club’s Kotoko and Hearts of Oak, featuring for the former at the youth side and the latter at the senior level.

Mutawakilu, who spent a combined nine years in the Nigeria Premier Football League [NPFL] with Rangers International, Rivers United and Akwa United spoke to Radio Gold.

“Continental football is a different ball game altogether, it’s not like a normal league game, it’s a game of the mind and Kwara United have made a lot of signings.

“Comparing what I saw in the league, they [Kwara United] can’t stand Kotoko. Based on what I saw between Kotoko and Kaizer Chiefs.

“I know coaches do a lot of signings, they do their things based on the continental campaign so it’s not going to be an easy game and like I said, African football is a game of the mind because sometimes talent is not enough.

“Kotoko have a lot of talent and players from other countries but normally Ghana and Nigeria games are a different ball game altogether, the culture, the bragging rights but for me I will tip Kotoko ahead of Kwara United because I have played against them before.”

The winner between Kotoko and Kwara United will progress to play Morocco giants, Wydad Athletic Club in the second preliminary round.