ASKO de Kara seize advantage with five-goal second-half rout of AS Zam

ASKO de Kara took a major step towards qualification in the CAF Confederation Cup by beating AS Zam 5-0 in the first leg of their preliminary-round tie on Saturday.

The Togolese side, known as the Kondonas, were unable to turn their dominance into goals during a goalless first half. However, they transformed the match after the interval, producing a clinical attacking display to build a commanding advantage before the return leg.

ASKO had controlled much of the opening period but lacked the finishing touch in front of goal. AS Zam managed to keep the score level at half-time, despite facing sustained pressure from their opponents.

The deadlock was finally broken after the restart when Claude Klidje opened the scoring for ASKO. The forward then struck again to complete his double and give the Kondonas a firm grip on the contest.

Klidje’s two goals changed the tone of the match. Having been frustrated before the break, ASKO suddenly found the attacking momentum they had been missing, while AS Zam struggled to contain the pressure.

ASKO continued to push forward rather than protect their lead. Kader Gueo added a third goal, extending the advantage and putting the Togolese club in an increasingly comfortable position.

Marius Akpao then joined the list of scorers with ASKO’s fourth, further underlining the team’s dominance in the second half. The result was completed when Coulibaly Souleymane scored the fifth goal, sealing a comprehensive victory for the Kondonas.

The 5-0 scoreline leaves ASKO de Kara in a strong position ahead of the second leg. Their advantage is considerable, particularly after a second-half performance in which they converted their control of the game into five unanswered goals.

The result also represents a significant turnaround from the opening 45 minutes. ASKO had been the more dominant side before the interval but went into the break without a goal to show for their efforts. After half-time, Klidje’s brace opened the way for a decisive attacking surge.

With the first leg now complete, ASKO can approach the return meeting with a substantial cushion. AS Zam will need a dramatic response in the second game if they are to overturn the five-goal deficit and prevent the Kondonas from progressing in the CAF Confederation Cup.