Kwara United put up a spirited performance but lost 4-3 to Ghana's Asante Kotoko in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round tie in Accra.

Emmanuel Antwi, Albert Amoah (who scored twice) and Joseph Ablorh found the net for Asante Kotoko.

Kwara United responded through Johnmark Aule (who also netted twice) and Shola Abdulraheem.

The return fixture will be played at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta on Saturday.

Nigeria's other representatives in the competition, Abia Warriors, were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Mali's Djoliba.

Emeka Obioma gave Abia Warriors the lead in the 20th minute after being set up by a fine cross from Jibrin Faiz, before the visitors equalised three minutes from full time.