ASKO de Kara made a powerful start to their CAF Confederation Cup campaign by beating AS Zam 5-0 in the first leg of the first preliminary round on Saturday.
The Togolese club, known as the Kondonas, produced a decisive second-half performance after a goalless opening 45 minutes. The result gives ASKO de Kara a commanding advantage before the return match and leaves AS Zam facing a significant challenge if they are to overturn the tie.
ASKO had controlled much of the first half but could not convert that dominance into a goal. Despite creating pressure, the home side went into the interval without finding a way through an AS Zam defence that had managed to keep the score level.
The match changed after the restart. ASKO returned with greater attacking efficiency and quickly turned their territorial advantage into goals.
Claude Klidje opened the scoring for the Kondonas before adding a second to complete his personal double. His two goals put ASKO firmly in control and provided the platform for what became a comprehensive victory.
The visitors were unable to contain ASKO once the Togolese side had broken the deadlock. Kader Gueo then extended the lead with the third goal, strengthening ASKO’s grip on the first leg.
Marius Akpao added a fourth as the hosts continued to exploit their superiority in the second half. Coulibaly Souleymane completed the scoring with the fifth goal, bringing an emphatic conclusion to the Kondonas’ attacking display.
The 5-0 scoreline represents an excellent result for ASKO de Kara at the opening stage of the competition. After being frustrated before half-time, they responded with five unanswered goals following the interval.
ASKO can now approach the second leg with a considerable cushion. Their second-half effectiveness has placed them in a strong position to progress, while AS Zam will need a remarkable response in the return meeting to keep their CAF Confederation Cup campaign alive.
The victory also underlines the contrast between the two periods of the game. ASKO’s first-half dominance brought no reward, but the same control became far more damaging once the Kondonas found the breakthrough.
With Claude Klidje leading the scoring and Kader Gueo, Marius Akpao and Coulibaly Souleymane also getting on the scoresheet, ASKO de Kara finished the opening encounter with five different contributions to the final margin. The club’s emphatic second-half display has given them a substantial advantage ahead of the decisive return leg.