Head coach of Asante Kotoko, Abdul Karim Zito confessed that the absence of his merciless striker Kwame Opoku was a big blow in their goalless draw against Bibiani Gold Stars on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
The Porcupine Warriors failed to seize the chance to close the gap on leaders Nations FC on the Ghana Premier League standings, as they weren't given a breathing space by the Miners at the Dun's Park in Bibiani.
Opoku was unavailable for the match after being handed a call up by Black Stars coach Otto Addo for the upcoming Unity Cup in London.
Opoku made the switch to Kotoko in December 2024, and has been pivotal in Kum Apem's quest to win the GPL title, notching nine goals so far in the campaign.
Speaking in a post-match interview Karim Zito didn't neglect the impact of Opoku’s absence labelling it as a major setback which affected his plans.
"I missed one of my best players, so certainly not having him in this game affected me," Zito admitted.
"I said it before the match—I wish he was here with us. But it’s a fact of football. I can’t stop him from progressing. Even I would go if the Black Stars called me. So I hold no grudge; I only wish him well."
The result has left Kotoko third in the league standing with 55 points and two games remaining.
Kotoko will next face Medeama in a Matchweek 33 fixture before wrapping up the season with an arduous trek to the Nii Adjei Kraku Sports Stadium to slit it with Vision FC on the last day of the season.
By: Pascal Amoah
