Karim Zito: Kotoko must face reality and recover after CAF Confederation Cup exit

Asante Kotoko head coach Karim Zito says his team must confront reality and move on after their 6-1 aggregate defeat to Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, which ended their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

The Porcupine Warriors endured a difficult week, exiting the continental competition after losing 6-1 on aggregate before announcing the surprise transfer of key forward Albert Amoah to Libyan side Al Ahly Benghazi.

Speaking ahead of Kotoko’s Ghana Premier League encounter with Karela United on Sunday at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Zito admitted the emotional toll of the defeat but insisted the team has no choice but to recover.

“We have to recover [from the loss to Wydad] because it’s part of the moment. We are out of it [the Confederation Cup], and we should face reality and prepare for the league if we want to go back again [to compete in Africa],” he told Kotoko’s media team.

Zito revealed that management, including IMC Chairman Nana Apinkrah Akwasi Awuah, met with the players to lift their morale ahead of the weekend fixture.

Kotoko have picked up two wins and two draws in the Ghana Premier League so far and will be hoping to regain momentum when they host Karela United on Sunday.