CAF Names Officials for Asante Kotoko vs Kwara United Confederation Cup Clash

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the match officials for the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first-leg encounter between Asante Kotoko of Ghana and Kwara United of Nigeria.

Ivorian referee Patrick Tanguy will take charge of the high-stakes fixture, assisted by Nouho Ouattara (Assistant Referee I) and Lancine Kone (Assistant Referee II). The fourth official will be Ibrahim Kalilou Traore, also from Ivory Coast.

In addition, experienced Gambian referee Bakary K. Jammeh has been appointed as the Match Commissioner, while Sanusie Rashid of Sierra Leone will serve as Referee Assessor.

The first leg is set for Sunday, September 21 at the Accra Sports Stadium, Ghana, with the return leg scheduled at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria, between September 26 and 28.

Opinion: A Test of Nerves and Officiating Standards

For both Asante Kotoko and Kwara United, this clash is more than just another preliminary tie—it’s a chance to stamp authority early in Africa’s second-tier competition. With such high stakes, the role of officiating cannot be overstated.

CAF’s choice of Patrick Tanguy and his all-Ivorian crew shows a deliberate effort to ensure neutrality, but it also heaps responsibility on the officials to deliver consistency and fairness, especially in a fixture involving two clubs with strong continental histories.

For Nigerian fans, the return leg in Uyo will feel like a decisive battle, but the first leg in Accra could set the tone. If Kwara United can snatch a good result away, the pressure will shift to the Ghanaians in Nigeria. On the other hand, Kotoko will see this as an opportunity to take advantage on home soil.

One thing is certain: discipline, officiating, and sharp finishing will define who progresses. In games like this, a single decision—or mistake—can alter the destiny of an entire campaign.