Asante Kotoko boss Abdul Karim Zito has hailed his side’s tactical maturity and player discipline after securing a hard-fought Toyota Cup win over Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa.
The Ghanaian side showed defensive solidity throughout the game before emerging 3-2 winners on penalties, with goalkeeper Mohammed Camara saving three spot kicks.
In a post-match reaction, Zito underlined the importance of game management given Kotoko’s current status. “With the new players, I was not going to get exactly what I wanted,” he said. “I had to assign responsibilities and rely on them to carry it out.”
The coach admitted that Kaizer Chiefs had the upper hand in terms of match readiness. “You’re ahead in terms of preparation and team cohesion. So I didn’t need to match you head-to-head,” Zito told reporters.
Instead, he banked on solid organisation and quick decision-making. “We didn’t attack too much but defensively we were ready for you,” he added.
The win not only brings a trophy to Kumasi but also builds momentum for Kotoko’s domestic and continental campaigns.