Ghana: Karim Zito resigns from Asante Kotoko after FA Cup exit

Ghana Premier League giants, Asante Kotoko have parted ways with head coach Abdul Karim Zito.

According to a statement by the club, the experienced trainer tendered his resignation on Monday with the record Premier League holders accepting to end the marriage.

The short statement released by the club read:

“Abdul Karim Zito Kabutey has resigned from his role as the head coach of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club with immediate effect.

Management has accepted the resignation, expressed its appreciation to the coach for his services and wished him the best for the future.

The new technical direction of the club will be communicated in due course.”

Abdul Karim Zito Kabutey has resigned from his role as the head coach of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club with immediate effect.

Management has accepted the resignation, expressed its appreciation to the coach for his services and wished him the best for the future.

The new… pic.twitter.com/svKG1nzvT9

— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) February 9, 2026

Zito joined Kotoko last season from Dreams FC, leading them to their 10th MTN FA Cup where they defeated Division One side Golden Kick 2-1 at the Legon Sports Stadium.

However pressure mounted on the veteran tactician after Aduana FC eliminated Kotoko from the FA Cup with a 4-2 penalty shootout win at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, February 8 following a goalless draw in the entire clash.

Prior exiting the FA Cup, Kotoko had suffered a 3-1 loss at Heart of Lions in match day 21, a situation that began the charge for Zito’s sacking.

He leaves the club ahead of their epic clash against sworn rivals Hearts of Oak in match day 22 at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, February 15.

Assistant coach Prince Yaw Owusu is to temporarily take charge of the technical team assisted by Mohammed Hamza Obeng.

The two-time African champions might go without a trophy this season as they currently have 35 points, eight behind leaders Medeama after 21 games into the campaign.

A Dream Turned Sour: The Catalyst for Resignation

Zito joined Kotoko last season from Dreams FC, and his impact was instantaneous. He famously guided the club to their 10th MTN FA Cup title, defeating Division One side Golden Kick 2-1 in a thrilling final at the Legon Sports Stadium. At that moment, it appeared that Kotoko had finally found the tactician to lead them back to continental dominance.

However, the 2025/26 campaign has proven to be a far more grueling affair. The pressure on Zito reached a breaking point following a disastrous week in February. The primary catalyst was the club’s elimination from the FA Cup on Sunday, February 8. Facing Aduana FC at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kotoko failed to break the deadlock in a tense 0-0 draw, eventually falling 4-2 in a dramatic penalty shootout.

Prior to the cup exit, the alarm bells had already begun ringing after a shambolic 3-1 loss to Heart of Lions in Matchday 21. That defeat exposed deep-seated defensive issues and left many supporters calling for a change in leadership.

The “Super Clash” Vacuum

What makes Zito’s departure particularly staggering is the timing. He leaves the club just six days before the Super Clash—the epic confrontation against sworn rivals Hearts of Oak on Sunday, February 15.

The Super Clash is more than just a game; it is the pinnacle of the Ghanaian sporting calendar. By resigning now, Zito leaves the technical bench in a state of flux ahead of the most high-pressure match of the season.

The Interim Regime: Prince Yaw Owusu Steps Up

In the wake of Zito’s exit, management has moved quickly to stabilize the technical team. Assistant coach Prince Yaw Owusu has been tasked with temporary charge of the first team. He will be assisted by Mohammed Hamza Obeng.

Owusu is no stranger to the pressures of the Baba Yara Stadium, but preparing a demoralized squad for a derby against a resurgent Hearts of Oak side will be the ultimate test of his managerial credentials.

Is the Season Lost?

With the FA Cup defense now over, Kotoko’s only remaining path to silverware is the Ghana Premier League. However, that road looks increasingly steep. The two-time African champions currently sit on 35 points, trailing league leaders Medeama SC by a significant eight points with 13 games remaining.

Without a permanent head coach and with the squad’s confidence at an all-time low, the Kumasi faithful are bracing themselves for the possibility of a trophyless season—a rarity for a club of such high stature.