Opoku Nti: Kotoko legend slams club over Karim Zito departure

Asante Kotoko legend Opoku Nti has slammed the club over the knee-jerk departure of former coach Abdul Karim Zito.

The experienced trainer resigned from his post before Kotoko’s epic week 22 Ghana Premier League encounter against sworn rivals Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Stadium last Sunday.

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’s place was taken by his assistant Prince Yaw Owusu under whose guidance Kotoko lost 1-0 courtesy defender Baba Adamu’s early first half header.

Speaking to Kessben FM, Opoku Nti, who once held the position of Kotoko Chief Executive, expressed his displeasure about the departure of Zito.

Zito led Asante Kotoko to last season’s FA Cup

“For me, Karim Zito’s exit was premature. If I were part of the management, I would have suggested that he stays to face Hearts of Oak before leaving,” Opoku Nti told Kessben FM.

“Our fans were keen about this match and wanted positive results but it didn’t happen. Truth be told, Kotoko and Hearts games can make or unmake both coaches and players” he said.

Karim Zito led the record Ghana Premier League holders to the FA Cup last season but they failed to defend the title after suffering a 4-2 penalty shootout loss to Aduana FC in the round of 16 last month.

Currently, Asante Kotoko find themselves in the fifth position on the Ghana Premier League standings with 35 points, nine points behind log leaders, Medeama.

Asante Kotoko legend Opoku Nti has strongly criticized the club’s management following the sudden resignation of head coach Abdul Karim Zito, describing the move as premature and poorly timed. The decision came just days before Kotoko’s highly anticipated Ghana Premier League showdown against fierce rivals Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Abdul Karim Zito’s Resignation Shocks Fans

Abdul Karim Zito Kabutey resigned from his position as head coach of Asante Kotoko SC with immediate effect. In an official club statement shared on social media, management confirmed that they had accepted Zito’s resignation, thanked him for his services, and wished him well in his future endeavors.

The announcement surprised many supporters, especially considering the timing. The resignation came on the eve of Kotoko’s crucial Week 22 Ghana Premier League fixture against their sworn rivals Hearts of Oak. The clash between the two giants of Ghanaian football is often regarded as one of the most important matches of the season, capable of defining campaigns and shaping managerial futures.

Opoku Nti Calls Decision Premature

Speaking to Kessben FM, former Kotoko Chief Executive and club legend Opoku Nti did not hide his disappointment over Abdul Karim Zito’s departure. According to him, the resignation should have been delayed until after the Hearts of Oak encounter.

“For me, Karim Zito’s exit was premature. If I were part of the management, I would have suggested that he stays to face Hearts of Oak before leaving,” Opoku Nti stated.

He emphasized that Kotoko versus Hearts of Oak fixtures carry enormous weight, not just for the fans but also for coaches and players whose reputations are often defined by performances in such high-stakes matches.

“Our fans were keen about this match and wanted positive results but it didn’t happen. Truth be told, Kotoko and Hearts games can make or unmake both coaches and players,” he added.

Prince Yaw Owusu Steps In

Following Abdul Karim Zito’s resignation, assistant coach Prince Yaw Owusu was appointed to take charge of the team on an interim basis. However, his tenure began on a disappointing note as Kotoko suffered a 1-0 defeat to Hearts of Oak.

The only goal of the match came early in the first half, when defender Baba Adamu headed home to give Hearts the advantage. Despite efforts to mount a comeback, Kotoko were unable to find the equalizer, leaving fans frustrated and raising further questions about the timing of Abdul Karim Zito’s departure.

Abdul Karim Zito’s Achievements at Asante Kotoko

Despite the criticism surrounding his exit, Abdul Karim Zito leaves behind a notable legacy. Last season, he guided Asante Kotoko to victory in the FA Cup, adding another trophy to the club’s illustrious history. His tactical discipline and ability to motivate the squad were widely praised during that successful campaign.

However, this season proved more challenging. Kotoko failed to defend their FA Cup title after suffering a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to Aduana FC in the Round of 16 last month. The cup exit intensified scrutiny on the team’s performances and may have contributed to the circumstances leading to Zito’s resignation.

Current League Situation

As it stands, Asante Kotoko occupy fifth place in the Ghana Premier League table with 35 points. They trail league leaders Medeama SC by nine points, making their title challenge increasingly difficult as the season progresses.

The defeat to Hearts of Oak has further complicated Kotoko’s ambitions, with fans demanding consistency and strong leadership both on and off the pitch. The club now faces the task of stabilizing the squad, rebuilding confidence, and closing the gap at the top of the table.

What Next for Asante Kotoko?

The departure of Abdul Karim Zito raises important questions about managerial stability at Asante Kotoko. While changes are sometimes necessary in football, timing remains crucial—especially when major fixtures are involved.

Opoku Nti’s comments reflect a broader concern among supporters who believe the club’s management should have handled the situation differently. With the season still ongoing, Kotoko must quickly regroup and decide whether to maintain Prince Yaw Owusu as interim coach or appoint a new permanent manager.

Ultimately, how Asante Kotoko respond to this transitional period could determine whether their campaign ends in disappointment or redemption.