Premier League giants, Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s CAF Champions League campaign came to an abrupt end after the continental body announced Sudan’s Al Hilal as part of the 16 qualified teams for the group stage.

Kotoko lodged a report to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) through the Ghana Football Association about perceived to be dubious means by Al-Hilal to prevent many of their players from partaking in their scheduled second leg in the Sudanese city of Omdurman last Wednesday.

Seven players and four officials of the Porcupine Warriors reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 following mandatory test on the team ahead of the

Champions League first round second leg tie, but Kotoko disputed the results and reported the case to the continental body.

The failure of Kotoko to raise a team to compete with Al Hilal in last Wednesday’s encounter led to referee Luis Hakizimana cancelling the match and sending his report to CAF.

However, in a tweet to announce the 16 qualified teams for the group stage of the Champions League, CAF named Al Hilal among the participating teams for the group phase, an indication that two-time african champions Kotoko had been dumped from the competition.

The teams confirmed by CAF for the group phase of the competition include AS Vita Club, Al Ahly, Atletico Petroleos, CR Belouizdad, Esperance Tunis, Al-Hilal, Horoya Athletic Club, El Merreikh, Kaizer Chiefs, Mouloudia Club, Mamelodi Sundowns, Simba Sports Club, TP Mazembe, Teungueth FC, Wydad Athletic and Zamalek SC.