Zito’s hat-trick sparks new era at Kotoko
Asante Kotoko boss, Abdul-Karim Zito, is dreaming big after completing a whirlwind 42-day treble, capping off his remarkable start in charge with a dramatic Toyota Cup victory over South African giants, Kaizer Chiefs, on penalties.
Barely a week after being handed a two-year contract, the veteran gaffer repaid the club’s faith in stunning fashion, guiding the Porcupine Warriors to a third piece of silverware in just six weeks, and raising the expectation of the Kotoko faithful ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Since replacing Prosper Narteh Ogum in May, Zito's rapid success has breathed new life into the club and rekindled dreams of domestic and continental glory.
Penalty drama
His latest success came on foreign soil, where Kotoko edged Chiefs 3-2 on penalties after a cagey 0-0 draw at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in the South African coastal city of Durban.
Goalkeeper, Mohamed Camara, was the hero of the hour, saving three spot-kicks in a dramatic shootout that sealed a memorable win for the Porcupine Warriors and handed the home team their second consecutive Toyota Cup final defeat.
It marked the latest triumph in a purple patch for Zito, who earlier masterminded Kotoko’s MTN FA Cup win in June. It followed with a pulsating 2-1 comeback victory over bitter rivals, Hearts of Oak, in the President’s Cup.
“When it comes to winning, I’m satisfied with my boys. Tactically, too, I’m satisfied,” he said in a post-match interview.
“I didn’t get exactly what I wanted with the new players, but they took on certain responsibilities and that’s a good sign.”
Zito admitted his side rode their luck in Durban against a well-drilled Chiefs side fresh from a high-intensity pre-season tour of the Netherlands, where they took on Eredivisie outfits including Vitesse, Utrecht, NEC, Zwolle and Twente.
“Chiefs didn’t play badly. In fact, they were the better team. But the luck was on our side,” he told state broadcaster SABC.
“Everyone wants to be lucky and we were. But tactically, we stuck to our plan. We knew we hadn’t trained in three days, so we would get tired. We sat back, stayed compact and waited for our moment.”
“That’s what makes a good coach -– you read the opponent and devise a strategy that suits your players. I don’t have to match them toe-for-toe. They were ahead of us in terms of preparation and cohesion.”
Zito also offered a rare tactical insight into the difference between South African and West African football.
“South Africans don’t chase the ball like most African sides – they make you chase them,” he explained.
“They play like Europeans. I know this because I studied it in Europe. That’s why development is so important to me.”
Next up for Zito and Kotoko is a double test on the home front next month, competing in the GHALCA Top 4 tournament, before squaring off with Premier League champions Bibiani Gold Stars in the Champion of Champions (Super Cup).
The two competitions form part of Kotoko’s preparation for their CAF Confederation Cup campaign, as they prepare to carry Ghana’s hopes into Africa once again.
