Asante Kotoko head coach Karim Zito has shed light on the tactical approach that guided his side to victory over South African giants Kaizer Chiefs in the 2025 Toyota Cup.
The Porcupine Warriors edged their hosts 3-2 on penalties at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban after a cagey 90 minutes ended in a stalemate.
Chiefs nearly grabbed a late winner with just eight minutes to go, but Inacio Miguel failed to convert a crucial chance.
Speaking to the media after the match, Zito admitted that his approach was deliberately conservative, acknowledging Kaizer Chiefs’ superior match fitness and team cohesion.
“We didn’t attack too much today, but we were ready defensively because we know they were ahead of us in terms of preparations and team cohesion,” he said.
“So I had to use my sense of judgement to go according to the players I have.”
Zito noted that Kotoko’s recent involvement in both the FA Cup and the President’s Cup had left the players physically drained.
“We played in the FA Cup and the President’s Cup before coming. We didn’t train for three days either. So I knew the players would feel that, which is why the plan was to sit back.”
The team returned to Ghana on Sunday night and is expected to take a brief break before regrouping for the GHALCA Top 4 tournament, scheduled for August 20–24 at the Baba Yara Stadium.
The tournament forms part of Kotoko’s pre-season preparations for the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season, as well as their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
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