Asante Kotoko face a major setback ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup second-leg clash against Wydad Athletic Club in Casablanca, with in-form striker Albert Amoah emerging as a serious injury doubt.
The 24-year-old forward, who has scored four goals in five matches this season, struggled visibly in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium, where Kotoko suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Moroccan side. Amoah’s performance was hampered by a recurring ankle injury, limiting his impact before he was eventually substituted in the second half.
Ahead of that game, Amoah had trained only once during the week and was cleared to play after a late fitness test, with head coach Karim Zito opting to start him despite concerns over his condition. However, any hopes of a strong showing were dashed early on when the striker appeared to aggravate his hamstring and ankle following a challenge from Brazilian defender Guilherme Ferreira.
The injury worsened after another knock in the second half, leaving Amoah limping for much of the remainder of the match. The striker has struggled for full fitness since spraining his ankle two weeks ago during Kotoko’s 2-0 win over Bibiani Gold Stars in Kumasi.
Kotoko officials have remained tight-lipped about the extent of Amoah’s latest injury, with Zito refusing to provide specifics during his post-match press conference.
The situation compounds Kotoko’s growing injury crisis, as the club is already without Saaka Dauda, Kwame Opoku, and Baba Yahaya, who are sidelined with various issues.
If Amoah fails to recover in time, new signing Donzo Morifing is expected to lead the attack in Casablanca, despite being goalless in four league appearances this season.
The Porcupine Warriors will need to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit on Sunday to advance to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
