Asante Kotoko head coach Abdul Karim Zito has admitted his side sorely missed the presence of star striker Kwame Opoku during their goalless draw against Bibiani Gold Stars in Week 32 of the 2024/25 Ghana Premier League.
The Porcupine Warriors, who travelled to Bibiani for the crucial fixture, failed to find the back of the net — a result many attributed to the absence of Opoku, who has netted nine goals this season.
Speaking after the stalemate, Coach Zito acknowledged the void left by Opoku’s absence.
“I missed one of my best players, so definitely, he being absent in this game has affected me,” Zito stated. “I wish he was here with us, but I can’t stop him from progressing in his life as a footballer. I bear no grudge against him. I want him to go there and play better. Yes, I miss him, but I don’t regret him going.”
The in-form forward missed the match due to national team duties, having travelled to England on Saturday to join the Black Stars’ camp ahead of the Unity Cup.
The result leaves Kotoko still in contention for the league title, but their fate now lies partly in the hands of other teams. With just two matches remaining, Kotoko will need both Nations FC and Gold Stars to drop points in their remaining fixtures to stand a chance of lifting the league trophy.