Kotoko Coach Zito Admits Opoku’s Injury Is a Blow, But Team Is Ready to Adapt
Head coach of Asante Kotoko, Abdul Karim Zito, has acknowledged that the team will feel the absence of striker Kwame Opoku, but says they are prepared to adapt and move forward.
Opoku has been ruled out for approximately six weeks after suffering an ankle injury during Kotoko’s narrow 1-0 victory over Berekum Chelsea in the opening match of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season. The striker lasted just 20 minutes before being forced off the pitch.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of Kotoko’s CAF Confederation Cup first-leg clash against Nigeria’s Kwara United, Coach Zito admitted the setback is significant — but not insurmountable.
“Honestly, losing Opoku is a big blow,” he said. “But it also gave me something to think about. It forced me to consider what adjustments we could make if he’s not available — and against Berekum Chelsea, the plan we tried actually worked very well.”
Zito praised his squad’s ability to adapt under pressure and said the team is focused on building momentum in both local and continental competitions despite the injury setback.
“Of course, we’ll miss him. He’s a key part of our attack. But we’re not dwelling on it — we’re moving forward, and we have options,” he added.
There’s a plus about it [Opoku’s absence] and there’s negative. It has also helped me to think” Zito said.
