Asante Kotoko SC head coach Abdul Karim Zito has called on his players to move on from their recent defeat to Hearts of Lions and focus on defending their MTN FA Cup crown.
With the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League title out of reach, the FA Cup has become the Porcupine Warriors’ primary target to reward their fans and secure continental football. Their next hurdle comes on Sunday, February 8, 2026, when they face Aduana FC in a do-or-die clash.
A victory would see Kotoko advance to the semi-finals, while a defeat would eliminate them from the competition—a scenario the club’s supporters are desperate to avoid. Zito has stressed the importance of responding to the Hearts of Lions loss with resilience and focus.
Speaking to the club’s media, the head coach emphasized the need for a mindset shift:
“I told my players that we have no excuses against Aduana. We must make amends and improve on the performance we showed against Hearts of Lions.”
“We have to change our mindset, put the past behind us, and come out to fight and prove that we are truly the defending champions,” Zito added.
Asante Kotoko are the current FA Cup holders, having lifted the trophy last season following a triumph over Division One side Golden Kicks FC.
After their FA Cup clash with Aduana FC, Kotoko will return to Premier League action, hosting bitter rivals Accra Hearts of Oak SC in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
