Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin has tendered an apology to its fans and stakeholders following the team’s early exit from the CAF Confederation Cup.

The club’s Chairman, Kumbi Titiloye, in a statement on Monday, described the elimination at the preliminary stage as “painful and regrettable.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Harmony Boys were knocked out after losing 5-3 on aggregate to Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko on Sunday in Abeokuta.

Kwara United, needing an outright win to progress, saw their hopes dashed when Hubert Gyalu’s 53rd-minute strike sealed victory for the Porcupine Warriors in the return leg.

Titiloye pleaded with fans to forgive the team, while assuring them of a stronger performance going forward.

“We apologise to our teeming and loyal fans and supporters for this unfortunate result,” he said.

“It was never our plan to crash out at this early stage. We are poised to come back stronger, make amends in the league, and give our supporters something to cheer about.”