Kotoko coach Karim Zito rues Andrew Ntim Manu's ACL injury

Photo credit: Asante Kotoko SC

Asante Kotoko were dealt a sucker punch following the injury of Andrews Ntim Manu ahead of next season’s domestic football campaign.

The midfielder tore his Anterior Cruciate Ligament and is expected to spend around nine months on the sidelines – a situation that has club coach, Abdul Karim Zito lamenting over Ntim Manu’s absence.

“Ntim is a serious member of my team. With him, I’m always rest assured of the responsibilities I will give to him. To me, I didn’t want to believe it. To miss Ntim for almost six months will be a disaster. I’m yet to get his replacement. I hope and pray that I can get his replacement,” Karim Zito told AKSC Media on YouTube.

Asante confirmed the news on Andrews Ntim Manu’s injury on their website: “Asante Kotoko SC can confirm that midfielder Andrews Ntim Manu has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and is set to undergo surgery in the coming days.

“The injury was sustained during our recent FA Cup victory over Golden Kick, where the midfielder was hauled off, five minutes into the second half and following a thorough medical assessment and imaging, our medical team and expert Doctors advice that surgical intervention is required.

“Recovery and rehabilitation are expected to rule him out of action for approximately nine months,” Kotoko announced on Tuesday, July 1.

The Porcupine Warriors will face arch rivals Hearts of Oak in the 2025 President’s Cup at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, July 6.