The first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round between Togo’s ASCK and Niger’s AS FAN ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw on August 18. Both teams, representing their respective nations as cup winners, provided an entertaining contest at the Kégué Stadium in Lomé, with neither side able to secure a decisive advantage ahead of the return fixture.
ASCK, backed by a large home crowd, started the match brightly and took the lead early on. Akoro Bilal, the star striker for the Kara Drivers, opened the scoring in the 5th minute, giving his team an ideal start.
The early goal sent the home supporters into raptures and set the tone for what would be a fiercely contested encounter.
However, AS FAN, known for their resilience, responded strongly. The visiting side, consisting largely of players from Niger’s military ranks, showed no signs of intimidation despite playing away from home.
In a tightly contested first half, AS FAN managed to equalize, with Ghanaian forward Elvis Bernard Addae finding the back of the net to level the score.
The second half began much like the first, with ASCK once again taking the lead. Bilal, continuing his excellent form, struck again in the 50th minute, giving the Togolese side a 2-1 advantage.
His second goal of the match highlighted his clinical finishing and looked to have put ASCK in control.
Yet, ASCK’s defensive frailties were exposed as AS FAN refused to be subdued. Addae, determined not to be outdone by his counterpart, completed his own brace, bringing the score to 2-2.
The Ghanaian striker’s equalizer ensured that the match remained finely balanced, with both teams eager to push for a winner but unable to break the deadlock.
As the final whistle blew, the 2-2 scoreline reflected a game of high drama and skill, but one that left ASCK with a sense of frustration.
Despite leading twice, the Togolese side’s inability to maintain their advantage could prove costly in the return leg.
The stage is now set for a decisive second leg at the Stade Général Seyni Kountché in Niamey on August 25. With both teams having shown their attacking prowess, the return match promises to be another thrilling contest.
The outcome will determine which side advances to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as the drama continues to unfold.
