Asante Kotoko failed to hold on an early lead to suffer a 2-1 defeat at Al-Ittihad in their Confederation Cup first leg final qualifying round on Friday.

Kotoko took the lead in the first half through striker Kwabena Yaro in the 20th minute to shock the partizan fans in Tripoli.

The Porcupine Warriors were dealt a blow after captain Emmanuel Osei-Kuffour was red-carded in 53rd minute after a nasty challenge on an Ittihad player.

The resultant free-kick was improperly clear and the rebound shot hit the hand of a Kotoko defender in the 18-yard box.

Ittihad drew level from the spot-kick on the 54th minute mark and the winner in the 86th minute.

Kotoko host the Libyans in the second leg at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi in a fortnight's time.