Ogum Vows Kotoko Fightback as GPL Title Race Heats Up

Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Nartey Ogum has defiantly dismissed suggestions that his side’s title hopes are over despite a worrying slump, insisting the Ghana Premier League remains “wide open” with six matches remaining.

The record Ghanaian champions suffered their third consecutive winless outing in a 2-0 defeat to Nations FC on Matchday 28, leaving them six points adrift of surprise leaders Bibiani Gold Stars. Sulemana Nafiu’s exquisite 15th-minute curler and Emmanuel Annor’s first-half strike sealed Nations FC’s season double over Kotoko, exposing defensive frailties that have seen the Porcupine Warriors concede five goals in their last two matches.

“This isn’t the Kotoko we know,” Ogum admitted post-match. “But the league isn’t won today. We’ve been here before in the first round, we overcame similar challenges. Now we must regroup tactically and mentally. If the players don’t believe, results won’t change.”

The defeat compounds pressure on Kotoko, whose title ambitions now hinge on Gold Stars faltering. The league leaders tightened their grip at the summit with a gritty 1-0 win over Medeama, moving to 53 points. Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak’s stalemate with Karela United leaves them five points off the pace, setting up a tense finale.

Kotoko’s recent collapse mirrors early-season struggles where they recovered to join the title conversation. But with Gold Stars showing newfound resilience they’ve lost just once in 2025 Ogum’s men face an uphill battle. Their defensive disorganization, particularly in transition, has been exploited repeatedly, with Nations FC’s rapid counters proving decisive.

Historically, Kotoko have thrived under pressure, but this campaign’s unpredictability with four teams separated by six points makes their task perilous. The coming weeks will test Ogum’s ability to reignite a squad that has scored just twice in four games. As the chasing pack jostles, one truth emerges: in Ghana’s most open title race in years, complacency is the real opponent.