Kwara United head coach Tunde Sanni has issued a bold statement of confidence ahead of his team's first continental challenge of the season a CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round tie against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko.

The Harmony Boys earned their place on Africa's secondary club stage by winning last season's President's Federation Cup, marking a significant return to continental football after years away.

Now, they face one of the continent's most decorated clubs: two-time African champions and perennial powerhouses, Asante Kotoko.

Yet, despite the pedigree of their opponents, Sanni insists his side is mentally prepared and unfazed by the occasion.

"I believe Asante cannot do more than what Warri Wolves did, and if we can survive this, we can survive in Ghana," Sanni said, referencing Sunday's goalless draw in Ozoro a hard-fought NPFL encounter that tested the team's resilience under pressure.

"That was a good game and a good test ahead of Asante Kotoko. We stood firm, stayed organised, and showed we can compete. That gives us belief."

With momentum building domestically, Kwara United now turn their focus to making history on the continental stage.

Kwara United's stalemate in Warri left them in 12th position on the NPFL table with five points from four matches. Not spectacular, but steady. Sanni described the point as a confidence booster, evidence that his side can weather pressure in tough away conditions.

Warri Wolves coach Napoleon Aluma, however, felt his team deserved more:

"I would not say a tough game because we didn't score. We did all the playing, it's just that we did not take our chances. We had played them in every department of the game, but what wins a match was what was missing today. And I believe we'll go back to the drawing board and correct our mistakes."

For Kwara, the result wasn't about dominance but resilience, discipline, and preparation for the demands of continental football.

The Ilorin-based side knows what is at stake. Beyond just winning, Kwara United want to prove that they belong among Africa's elite by advancing through the early rounds and into the lucrative group stage of the Confederation Cup.

The first leg is scheduled for Sunday, 21 September at the Accra Sports Stadium, with the return leg set for 28 September in Nigeria. For Sanni's men, the mission is simple: keep it tight in Ghana, then finish the job at home in front of their supporters.

"It was a good game and a good test," Sanni repeated with conviction, "and we take that same determination into Ghana."

Kwara United are no strangers to the CAF Confederation Cup. Their last notable run came in 2021, when they narrowly missed out on the group stage after being eliminated by RS Berkane of Morocco, eventual champions.

That disappointment still lingers, but it also fuels their current campaign. Back then, they had talent but lacked the finishing edge. This time, they return with a squad that has tasted more domestic consistency, a cup triumph, and a coach who preaches fearlessness.

Kotoko remain one of the continent's toughest sides to beat at home. But Sanni's stance is clear: if Kwara United can silence the Wolves in Warri, they can contain Kotoko in Accra.

Whether that belief translates into results on the pitch will define not just their season, but also Nigeria's representation in the CAF Confederation Cup.

For now, the Harmony Boys march into Ghana with confidence and the conviction that this is more than just a tie. It is a statement of intent.