Asante Kotoko were beaten 3:2 by Kano Pillars in the first-leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round.
Goals from Justice Blay and Godfred Asiamah were not enough for the Porcupine Warriors as Nyima Nekabari netted the decider for the Nigerians at the Sani Abacha Sports Stadium.
Kano Pillars started the game on a good note, creating descent chances which resulted in Hilary Paul opener in the 13th minute.
Hilary Paul overcame Ayiku Tetteh’s tackle in the eighteen yard box, to hit a low shot into the far post which goalkeeper Felix Annan had no antidote.
The first forty-five minutes ended with the home side on the lead.
Asante Kotoko returned from the tunnel with much energy and begun to rain pressure on the home side.
Finally Justice Blay had the equalizer for the visitors in the 55th minute with a low header which the Kano Pillars goalkeeper couldn’t save the ball from entering the net.
Former Ashanti Gold midfielder Godfred Asiamah made it double for the Porcupine Warriors in the 67th minute with a stunning free kick.
Victor Dennis restored parity for the Kano based side in the 70th minute before Nyima Nekabari had the decider for the home side in the fascinating encounter.
The game ended 3:2 advantage Kano Pillars with Asante Kotoko hoping to get a convincing win in the second-leg game in Kumasi next two weeks.
Kotoko XI; Felix Annan, Ampem Dacosta, Evans Owusu, Habib Mohammed, Stephen Ayiku Tetteh, Justice Blay, Emmanuel Gyamfi, Samuel Frimpong, George Abege, Richard Arthur, Matthew Kelvin Andoh
Subs:Osei Kwame (GK), Alexis Didi, Naby Keita, Godfred Asiamah, Patrick Yeboah, Augustine Sefah, Wahab Adams.