Kotoko recorded a 3-0 win

Former African giants Asante Kotoko of Ghana remain on course for a place in the final of the African Cup Winners Cup after a convincing victory at the weekend.

Kotoko overcame Egyptian visitors Al-Mehalla 3-0 in Kumasi thanks to goals from Stephen Oduro, Hamza Mohamed and captain Godwin Ablordey.

Kotoko's likely opponents in the final in November are Morocco's Wydad Casablanca.

Despite conceding an injury-time goal to lose 1-0 against Vita in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Wydad possess enough firepower to overcome the deficit at home.

The other quarter-final first-leg matches all produced away victories.

USMA of Algeria defeated US Transfoot 3-1 in Madagascar, thanks to goals from Issad Bourahi, Moncef Ouichaoui and Amar Ammour, while Police of Congo shocked Al-Mourada 1-0 in Sudan, the match winner coming from Logali in the 83rd minute..

Kotoko have won the African Champions League twice and been runners-up five times, only to be overshadowed by compatriots Hearts of Oak recently.

After overcoming Angolan and South African opposition, the 'Porcupines' changed coaches in mid-year, bringing in former Sunderland star and Chelsea manager Ian Porterfield.

Egyptian clubs are renowned for their defensive prowess, but Al-Mehalla conceded two late first-half goals and hopes of a second-leg recovery were virtually dashed when Ablordey converted a 75th-minute penalty.

Sorcerers arrested

There is no love lost between rivals clubs in Kinshasa and four 'sorcerers' were arrested on the eve of the Vita-Wydad match for allegedly trying to cast a 'spell' on the pitch and harm the local team.

Vita must have feared the worst when relentless pressure before a 60,000 crowd failed to produce a breakthrough, but two minutes into additional time Kitondo Kiakanda scored.

Whether such a slender lead will suffice in North Africa is doubtful as Wydad have scored eight goals without reply in two previous home matches against clubs from Senegal and Ivory Coast.

Return matches will be played on the weekend of 13-15 September.