MTN FA Cup: 'We don't have any excuse' against Aduana, says Kotoko Coach Karim Zito

Asante Kotoko coach Abdul Karim Zito has issued a direct challenge to his players ahead of their crucial MTN FA Cup tie against Aduana FC, stating there is no justification for another poor performance following their recent league defeat.

The Porcupine Warriors, who are the defending FA Cup champions, suffered a disappointing 3-1 loss to Kpando Heart of Lions in the Ghana Premier League. With their season struggling for consistency, Zito sees the cup as a vital opportunity to reset and rebuild momentum.

"I told them—my players—we don't have any excuse against Aduana," Zito declared. "We should do the amendment and improve on the match we played against Heart of Lions."

The coach emphasised the need for a complete mental shift, adding, "We have to change the mindset; we have to put it behind and then come out and fight to prove that we are really the defending champions."

The Round of 16 clash against Aduana Stars is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, and represents a critical juncture in Kotoko's season. A victory would not only advance their defence of the trophy but also provide a much-needed confidence boost ahead of their subsequent high-stakes fixture against arch-rivals Accra Hearts of Oak.

For Zito and his squad, the message is clear: past failures cannot be an excuse, and only a disciplined, fighting performance will suffice to keep their championship hopes alive and begin turning their season around.