ASEC Mimosas rally to beat ASKO Kara and reach CAF Champions League second preliminary round

Ivorian champions ASEC Mimosas have secured their place in the second preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League after completing a comeback victory over ASCK of Togo on Sunday.

The Mimosas entered the second leg with the tie finely balanced after playing out a 1-1 draw against ASCK in the first leg in Lomé last week.

With qualification at stake, ASEC returned home to the Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan determined to finish the job in front of their supporters.

However, the Ivorian champions were given a major scare after ASCK took the lead shortly before half-time.

Yandoubouame broke the deadlock in the 45th minute, putting the Togolese visitors 1-0 ahead and giving them the advantage heading into the interval.

ASEC needed a response in the second half, and their chances of turning the tie around were boosted when ASCK were reduced to 10 men.

The numerical advantage proved decisive as the Ivorian champions increased the pressure and eventually found a way through the ASCK defence.

Sou restored parity for ASEC in the 59th minute, bringing the score to 1-1 and shifting the momentum firmly in favour of the home side.

The midfielder was not finished, however, as he struck again in the 68th minute to complete his brace and put ASEC Mimosas 2-1 ahead.

The comeback victory ensured that ASEC completed the job on home soil and progressed to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

The result represents an important step in the Ivorian champions’ quest to reach the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.

After surviving a difficult first half and falling behind on the night, ASEC showed character to respond after the break, making their numerical advantage count and turning the tie in their favour.

With their first qualifying hurdle now cleared, the Mimosas will turn their attention to the second preliminary round, where they will face another crucial test in their bid to secure a place in the Champions League group stage.

The Ivorian champions will take confidence from the comeback against ASCK as they continue their continental campaign.