Karim Zito Sets Group Stage as Benchmark for Asante Kotoko in Confederation Cup

Interim head coach of Asante Kotoko, Abdul Karim Zito, has emphasized the need for thorough and strategic preparation as the club gears up for its CAF Confederation Cup campaign next season.

The Porcupine Warriors earned their place in the continental competition after clinching the 2024/25 FA Cup title, securing a 2-1 victory over lower-tier side Golden Kick FC in a hard-fought final.

In the wake of that triumph, Coach Zito—who stepped in following the departure of Prosper Narteh Ogum—has urged the club’s leadership to invest in proper planning and squad reinforcement if they are to make a meaningful impact in Africa.

Speaking after the FA Cup victory, the former Ghana U-20 (Black Satellites) head coach set a clear target for the club’s continental outing: reaching the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.

“We need to prepare very well for the African campaign,” Zito stated. “We’ll have to bring in new players to strengthen key areas of the squad.”

Reflecting on his short spell in charge, Zito noted that his seven matches at the helm gave him enough insight into the team’s strengths and weaknesses. Based on that, he believes that with the right improvements, the team can achieve its objective on the continental stage.

“I’ve had enough games to identify where the team needs work. If we address those areas properly, we stand a strong chance of making it to the group stage of the Confederation Cup,” he added.

As the club celebrates their domestic cup success, questions still remain about Zito’s long-term future with Kotoko. The club has yet to confirm whether he will continue as head coach for the upcoming season or make way for a new technical appointment.

For now, though, the focus remains on preparation, recruitment, and a renewed drive to restore Kotoko’s presence on the African football scene. With expectations high and the Confederation Cup looming, Zito’s call for readiness could prove crucial in determining the club’s success beyond Ghana’s borders.