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.
Ghana coach has defended his decision to invite new faces to the Black Stars for the all-important 2025 Unity Cup and believes this is the ideal time to give opportunities to players who have been on his radar for months.
Addo included five debutants in his squad for the Unity Cup, while Kamal Deen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus are among those left out due to minor knocks and injury setbacks.
The former Dortmund assistant coach will lead Ghana in the Unity Cup, after recent wins against Chad and Madagascar that kept the team on top the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers log.
"These two matches are extremely important for the team, just like the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September. I believe this is the perfect time to closely observe the players we've been monitoring over the last few months’’ he told the Ghana official website.
‘’Team building is a process that takes time, and it's not something that happens overnight. Therefore, this is a great opportunity to give some of our young players a chance to prove themselves. Our aim is to create competition within the team, which can only be achieved by providing an equal platform for all our talents to showcase their skills’’
‘’We're looking beyond individuals, and focusing on building a strong team, that's why I've decided to give many of these young players a chance to play and prove themselves, with the aim of making them a key part of my team going forward''.
''The Unity Cup comes at a crucial time for us, and we want to make the most of it. We're excited to welcome back players who have been absent for months due to various reasons, as well as integrate new players into the team." Otto Addo added.
Ghana will take on Nigeria at the GTech Community Stadium in West London on Wednesday, May 28, for a slot in the final on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
The medical team of the Black Stars have announced that Mohammed Kudus, Kamal Deen Sulemana, Ernest Nuamah, Elisha Owusu, and Antoine Semenyo are unavailable for the 2025 Unity Cup due to minor injuries.
Meanwhile, England-based duo Thomas Partey and Michael Baidoo have been given a break by head coach Otto Addo.
Details of Players absence below:
Jerome Opoku, Kingsley Schindler, Alexander Djiku (Not released, Turkish season hasn’t ended).
Joseph Paintsil and Osman Bukari (MLS ongoing)
Jonas Adjetey has Swiss Cup final on 1st June with FC Basel.
Injuries: Abdul Manaf Nurudeen, Abdul Mumin, Tariq Lamptey, Alidu Seidu, Ernest Nuamah, Daniel Kofi Kyereh, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Iñaki Williams.
Minor Knocks: Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Elisha Owusu, Ransford Yeboah Königsdorfer.
Thomas Partey and Michael Baidoo have been given a break by the head coach.
Asante Kotoko head coach, Abdul Karim Zito believes that the club can win the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League but it involves strategic planning and positive outcomes in the two games left to end the season.
Kenneth Asante, public relations officer of Hohoe United has revealed the team's outstanding performance in the Access Bank Division One League is due to their strong home fan base.
Current Ashanti Regional Division 2 champions Ebony FC have appointed former AshantiGold SC gaffer Thomas Duah as their new head coach ahead of their maiden first division campaign
