Asante Kotoko handed Algerian side ES Setif in Caf Confederation Cup playoff
Ghana Premier League outfit Asante Kotoko face Algerian side ES Setif in play-off round of the 2020-2021 Caf Confederation Cup.
The draw for the competition was held on Friday in Egypt with the Ghanaian side paired with the Algerian Premier League giants in bid to determine who reach group stages of this season’s Confederation Cup.
Kotoko’s chances of making first Champions League group stage appearance since 2006 was hampered by the coronavirus pandemic after failing to raise a team to meet Al Hilal when 7 out of their 22-man squad that traveled to Sudan for the return leg in Omdurman were tested positive for covid-19.
And while Al Hilal head into the Champions League group stage placed along with TP Mazembe, Mamelodi Sundowns and CR Belouizdad in tough Group B, Kotoko need to overcome ES setif in play-off phase before they secure a place in last 16 of the Confederation Cup- second time in four years which still speaks very low of the Ghana’s club in African club football.
In 2018-2019 season, Kotoko hammered Kariobangi Sharks and Coton Sport de Garoua- (who also meet Al Ahly whipping side AS SONIDEP in another play-off)- to reach the group stages of the Confederation Cup.
However, a strong Zambian side Nkana Red Devils, Al Hilal and Zesco United saw Kotoko only took the third place with 7 points whiles Al Hilal and Nkana qualified to the quarter finals with 11 and 9 points respectively.
ES Setif meanwhile have enjoyed smooth start to the Algerian Premier League now leading the table from 5 wins, a draw and no defeat with 16 accumulated points better off second placed Ain M’lila who have 14 points on the Algerian log.
Setif have scored 9 Premier League goals and conceded only once making them the best goal-difference side with 8 tallies followed by MC Alger with 6 goal-difference.
However, the Algerian Premier League leaders have not played any game in this season’s Caf Inter Club football to test their strength in Africa.
They reached the first round of the Confederation Cup when they were granted a walk-over after their opponents from Chad Renaissance redrew from the competition due to political interference from conflict between Chad’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and Football Association.
Renaissance first crushed out Guinean side CI Kamsar in preliminary stage before booking a first round place against ES Setif.
Connect with Futball Surgery
