Match Report: ES Setif 0-0 Asante Kotoko- Porcupine Warriors eliminated from CAF Confederation Cup despite improved display

Asante KotokoAsante Kotoko’s Africa campaign came to an end on Sunday, 21 February 2021, after exiting the CAF Confederation Cup despite drawing 0-0 at ES Setif in the second leg.The Algerian side advanced 2-1 on aggregate after securing that result in the first leg played in Accra last week.Kotoko goalkeeper Razak Abalora produced a portfolio of saves including two one-on-one situations and a brave fingertip effort to keep out a goal-bound shot.Coach Johnson Smith decided to maintain his starting line and his charges matched the Algerian champions.The Porcupine Warriors made a rare attacking move in the first half when Emmanuel Gyamfi whipped in a cross which took a deflection and could not get to striker Kwame Opoku.In the 61st minute, captain Emmanuel Gyamfi gave away a free-kick at the edge of the box but the resultant kick was well defended.After 74 minutes, Gyamfi made a right on the right and whipped in a cross but Opoku’s header inside the box went wide.Kotoko upped their game in the last ten minutes and substitute Godfred Asiamah forced a save from the Setif goalkeeper with a long-range effort.Setif had a last-gasp chance to win it but goalkeeper Abalora proved his mettle and produced a save at close range.The two-time African champions started their Africa campaign in the CAF Champions League where they scaled over FC Nouadhibou of Mauritania in the first round qualifier.But they got knocked out at the next stage to Sudanese side Al Hilal who won the first leg 1-0 in Accra but return leg not honoured due to many positive covid cases in the Kotoko squad.