Asante Kotoko’s interim head coach, Prince Owusu was left elated after their 2-0 win at Young Apostles in week 23 of the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.

The Porcupine Warriors redeemed their battered image after a 1-0 home loss against bitter rivals Hearts of Oak last week and they needed the win to avoid further drop from the top four.

HIGHLIGHTS || YOUNG APOSTLES 0-2 KOTOKO https://t.co/HSuYpmoSKa via @YouTube

— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) February 23, 2026

The win was coach Prince Owusu’s first since taking charge on an interim basis following the departure of former trainer Karim Zito and he expressed joy after the game.

Prince Owusu replaced Karim Zito on interim bases

“It means a lot to me. This is my first win, and it makes people recognise what I can do,” he said.

Yaw Owusu admitted that both he and his players were under pressure going into the game, following their recent home defeat to Hearts of Oak.

Post Match Reaction from our interim coach Prince Yaw Owusu. #ApostlesKotoko pic.twitter.com/S4A4KD9jaW

— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) February 22, 2026

“Yes, there was pressure. The players felt it themselves. So we spoke to them and asked them to put the pressure behind them and focus on how we wanted to play.

“They listened, and it worked perfectly for us today. Once we scored the two goals, everything became clear in our performance. So we are okay with it.”

The result has propelled Kotoko back to the 4th position on the league standings with 38 points, two behind Hearts of Oak who sit third and they will next host Vision FC in the Matchday 24 at the Baba Yara Stadium

Prince Owusu Celebrates First Win as Asante Kotoko Return to Top Four

Asante Kotoko interim head coach Prince Owusu was full of joy after guiding the Porcupine Warriors to a convincing 2-0 victory over Young Apostles in Week 23 of the Ghana Premier League.

The crucial away win came at a time when Kotoko needed a strong response following their painful 1-0 home defeat to rivals Hearts of Oak. The result not only restored confidence within the squad but also pushed the club back into the top four of the league standings.

Prince Owusu Reacts After First Win in Charge

For Prince Owusu, the victory carried special significance. It was his first win since taking over on an interim basis following the departure of Karim Zito.

Speaking after the match, the tactician admitted the result meant a great deal to him personally.

“It means a lot to me. This is my first win, and it makes people recognise what I can do,” he said.

The performance showed improved organisation and attacking intent from Kotoko, who looked determined from the first whistle. Two well-taken goals ensured they left with maximum points and silenced doubts surrounding the team’s recent form.

Pressure Mounting Before Young Apostles Clash

The build-up to the game was far from comfortable. The defeat to Hearts of Oak had increased pressure on both the technical team and the players. Supporters were demanding a response, and slipping further down the table was not an option.

Owusu acknowledged that tension was high before kickoff.

“Yes, there was pressure. The players felt it themselves. So we spoke to them and asked them to put the pressure behind them and focus on how we wanted to play,” he explained.

That mental reset appeared to work. Once Kotoko found the breakthrough, they played with more freedom and composure. The second goal effectively sealed the result and allowed the team to manage the game professionally.

Tactical Improvements Under Prince Owusu

Since stepping in, Prince Owusu has emphasised structure, discipline, and faster transitions. Against Young Apostles, Kotoko showed better defensive organisation while remaining sharp in attack.

The midfield looked more compact, reducing space for the hosts, and the forwards were clinical when chances came their way. The performance suggested the players are responding positively to the interim coach’s instructions.

“Once we scored the two goals, everything became clear in our performance. So we are okay with it,” Owusu added.

The victory demonstrated resilience and character — qualities needed in the final stretch of the Ghana Premier League season.

Asante Kotoko Back in Top Four Race

The three points propelled Asante Kotoko back to fourth place with 38 points, just two behind Hearts of Oak in third position. With several matches still to play, the race for continental qualification remains wide open.

Kotoko will now turn attention to their Matchday 24 fixture against Vision FC at the Baba Yara Stadium. Playing at home presents another opportunity to build momentum and strengthen their position in the top four.

Consistency will be key if the Porcupine Warriors are to mount a serious challenge for a podium finish.

What This Means for Prince Owusu’s Future

While still serving in an interim capacity, Prince Owusu’s first victory could strengthen his case for a longer tenure. Results often shape decisions at big clubs like Kotoko, and a strong run of performances could earn him greater backing.

The immediate focus, however, remains on maintaining stability and improving match-by-match.

With confidence restored and morale lifted, Kotoko fans will hope this result marks the beginning of a sustained revival under Owusu’s guidance.

If the team continues to respond positively, the interim coach may well turn this opportunity into something more permanent.