Christian Adusei Writes: Can Coach Karim Zito inspire Kotoko to CAF glory again?

Article By: Christian Adusei – Anchor, ‘Pure Sports’

Asante Kotoko head coach Abdul Karim Zito goes into his side’s decisive CAF Confederation Cup return leg with an impressive record on the road in African competitions. The experienced tactician remains unbeaten in his last three away games in CAF inter-club tournaments — two with Dreams FC and one with Asante Kotoko.

Zito’s unbeaten streak began with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Stade Malien in Bamako, followed by a goalless draw with Egyptian giants Zamalek during Dreams FC’s fairy-tale run in the 2023/24 CAF Confederation Cup. That campaign saw the “Still Believe” lads reach the semi-finals, becoming the first Ghanaian club to do so since the introduction of the knockout phase after the group stage. At Kotoko, Zito extended his impressive away form with a 1-0 win over Nigeria’s Kwara United, reaffirming his tactical awareness and ability to get results under pressure.

During his continental campaign with Dreams FC, Zito’s away record was noteworthy. He drew 1-1 with Milo FC in Guinea, shared the spoils 1-1 with FC Kallon in Sierra Leone, and suffered a 2-0 loss to Club Africain in Tunisia. He bounced back with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Academica do Lobito in Angola, before losing 2-1 to Rivers United in Nigeria. Zito’s men then secured a crucial 2-1 win over Stade Malien in Bamako and held Zamalek to a goalless draw in Cairo. These performances underscored his ability to set up teams to compete effectively away from home, even against some of the continent’s most formidable sides.

However, his career on the African stage has not been without difficult moments. His heaviest defeat came in 2008, when he guided Sahel FC of Niger to a 6-1 loss against Ashanti Gold SC at the Len Clay Stadium in the CAF Champions League, despite winning the first leg 1-0 in Niamey.

Zito’s association with Kotoko dates back to 2005, when he joined the Porcupine Warriors following their elimination by FAR Rabat of Morocco. Then under Malik Jabir, who was later elevated to Technical Director, Kotoko had drawn successive league matches with Power FC and Bofoakwa Tano before appointing Zito from Feyenoord Academy.

Nearly two decades later, the question now is whether Karim Zito can once again inspire Kotoko to a famous away triumph and guide them into the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup. With his proven tactical acumen and impressive track record on foreign soil, the experienced coach has every reason to believe he can lead the Porcupine Warriors to yet another memorable chapter in their storied continental history.

Article By: Christian Adusei – Anchor, ‘Pure Sports’