Asante Kotoko head coach Karim Zito has expressed his satisfaction with striker Kwame Opoku’s performance for the Black Stars, despite Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Nigeria in the Unity Cup.
Opoku was handed a starting role in the semi-final clash at the Brentford Community Stadium but was replaced after halftime by Brandon Thomas-Asante, who scored Ghana’s only goal of the game. Nigeria sealed victory through a Cyriel Dessers strike and an own goal from Razak Simpson.
While some fans were critical of Opoku’s display, Coach Zito came to his player’s defense, insisting that the striker lacked adequate support during the match.
In an interview aired on Peace FM, Zito said:
“We have to ask ourselves—how many passes did he receive? It’s like being sent to the market to buy ingredients for palmnut soup. If no one gives you the ingredients, how do you cook the soup for us to eat? He didn’t get enough service. He was pressing and making runs constantly.”
Zito emphasized that Opoku’s tireless movement and pressing off the ball reflected the qualities expected of a modern striker, even if he didn’t score.
“He may not have performed at the level people expect, but his pressing alone made a difference. In modern football, if you can’t press, you can’t play. I saw him chasing the ball and working hard. People expected a goal, and once a striker doesn’t score, they feel he hasn’t performed. But I am okay with him. If he brings that same confidence into the league, it will help us.”
Zito’s comments come as Kotoko prepare for the upcoming season, with Opoku expected to play a key role in the club’s campaign after returning to full fitness and regaining form.
