Kotoko coach Karim Zito highlights importance of GHALCA top 4 to African campaign

Asante Kotoko head coach Abdul Karim Zito has underlined the crucial role of the GHALCA Top 4 tournament in his side’s preparations for the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

The Porcupine Warriors kicked off their Top 4 journey with a narrow defeat to Ghana Premier League champions Bibiani GoldStars on Wednesday at the University of Ghana Stadium. Both sides are gearing up for continental football, with GoldStars set to feature in the CAF Champions League.

Speaking ahead of the opener, Zito stressed the significance of the competition, describing it as an opportunity to face top-level opposition which is otherwise rare in Ghana.

“It [GHALCA Top 4] will help me a lot, it will help those of us who have qualified for Africa,” Zito explained. “Because in Ghana, trying to find matches like this is very, very difficult. You don't see Kotoko playing Hearts because they want to strengthen their team. You don't see Medeama playing Kotoko in friendly matches. It doesn't come. I will take this one as some of the friendly matches we are going to play and how I want my boys to play. So I will assess the boys by the Top Four and see how best we can also face Africa.”

Kotoko will open their CAF Confederation Cup campaign against Nigeria’s Kwara United in the first preliminary round, hosting the first leg in Kumasi between September 19 and 21, before travelling to Ilorin for the return fixture from September 26 to 28.

A victory will set up a highly-anticipated second-round clash with Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca in October, a tie that could define Kotoko’s continental ambitions.

Send your news stories to [email protected] and via WhatsApp on +233 546310076.

Read Full Story