Kano Pillars came from behind to inflict a defeat on the Ghana Premier League heavyweights in the first leg tie of the CAF Champions League on Saturday.

Asante Kotoko suffered a painful 3-2 away defeat to Kano Pillars at the Saani Abaacha Sports Stadium in Kano.

The Nigerian club started the match on a high note as they managed to open the score in the early minutes.

On the 11th minute, Rahaqqu Adam Yusuf fired the lead for Kano Pillars with a cool finish which helped them to end the first half in a victory.

Goalkeeper Felix Annan made three brilliant saves to deny the homesters from extending the lead before recess.

Kelvin Andoh and Richard Arthur came close from scoring but their strikes on the 18th and 30th minute respectively were blocked by the back line of Kano Pillars.

A late free-kick was effected by George Abege but it was saved by goalkeeper Surajo Ayeleso as the first department ended 1-0 in favor of Kano Pillars.

Back from the beak, Coach Zachariassen made a quick change as Godfred Asiamah replaced Emmanuel Gyamfi.

Asante Kotoko gained possession to dominate the match which earned them the leveller after ten minutes.

On-loan Medeama SC midfielder Justice Blay grabbed the equaliser for the Porcupine Warriors with a fine strike on the 55th minute of the game.

Substitute Godfred Asiamah made it 2-1 for his side with another classy goal on the 67th minute as they continued to mount pressure on the home side.

On the 70th minute, Rabiu Ali restored the parity for the Yellow and Green lads as Christopher Madaki netted the match-winner on the 76th minute of the match.

Kotoko tried their luck with long range shots in the dying embers of the match but most of them went wide as it ended in a 3-2 win in favor of Kano Pillars.

The reverse leg tie will be played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on August 23.