Asante Kotoko have been dealt a major injury blow after promising young defender Shayibu Abubakar sustained a serious knee injury during the team’s training session on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
The incident occurred when Abubakar collided awkwardly with teammate Morifing Donzo in a routine challenge.
The 20-year-old immediately went down in pain, prompting the club’s medical team to rush to his aid. He was given initial treatment on the field before being transferred to Accra for further examination.
Subsequent MRI scans revealed that Abubakar had suffered a tear to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) as well as damage to his lateral and collateral ligaments - a combination that could keep him on the sidelines for several months.
The setback is particularly heartbreaking for the talented right-back, who had only recently returned to full fitness after recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him earlier in the season.
Abubakar has been one of Kotoko’s most promising young players since joining ahead of the 2025-26 season, earning praise for his composure, athleticism, and tactical awareness.
He is expected to return to Kumasi to consult a specialist for further evaluation and to decide on the next steps in his rehabilitation.
This latest development will undoubtedly come as a huge blow to Kotoko’s technical team, who were counting on Abubakar to play a key role in the club’s defensive setup this season.
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