Ghana Premier League: Asante Kotoko bounce back under Zito

Photo Credit – Asante Kotoko Sporting Club.

Asante Kotoko returned to winning ways on Sunday, with Kwame Opoku’s ferocious 25th-minute strike sealing three points at the Baba Yara Stadium.

The Porcupine Warriors had suffered two consecutive defeats – first falling 3-0 to Accra Lions in a rescheduled Week 22 fixture at the Accra Sports Stadium, and then losing 2-0 to Nations FC in Week 28.

The back-to-back losses prompted the club to part ways with coach Prosper Narteh Ogum, who was immediately replaced by club legend Abdul Karim Zito.

Zito, who left his role at Dreams FC, reacted to the first win under his leadership: “In coaching, the psychological aspect is very important, so it’s not all about training. It’s all about the psychology, telling them they can do it.”

“Telling them it is not over, giving them the necessary talks to make peace with reality. I did not do anything beyond this. They were not sure of themselves, but from here, we are going to tell them they have come back, and they will come,” Zito added.

Despite the win, Asante Kotoko remain in fourth place on 50 points – level with Heart of Lions – while Nations FC sit second on 51 points, and Gold stay top with 53 points despite their 1-0 loss at Vision FC.

Week 29 results

Saturday April 26;

Medeama 3-0 Young Apostles

Accra Lions 2-0 Bechem United

Sunday April 27

Hearts vs Nsoatremen (canceled)

Kotoko 1-0 Aduana

Berekum Chelsea 1-0 Nations

Vision 2-0 Gold Stars

Legon Cities 0-1 Heart of Lions

Samartex 3-0 Holy Stars

Karela 1-2 Dreams