Kumasi Asante Kotoko have breathed new life into their Ghana Premier League campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Aduana Stars, marking a winning start for newly appointed Head Coach Abdul-Karim Zito at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday.
Coming into the match under immense pressure after a four-game winless streak—two draws and two losses—the Porcupine Warriors needed a quick turnaround following the dismissal of former manager Prosper Nartey Ogum. Zito’s first test in charge was viewed as pivotal in reviving Kotoko’s faltering title hopes.
And Kotoko responded. Dominating the early proceedings, they piled pressure on Aduana Stars, setting the tone for a fierce contest. Their efforts paid off in the 25th minute when striker Kwame Poku smashed home a powerful shot from the edge of the box after a flowing midfield move, sending the home fans into raptures.
Aduana Stars had a golden opportunity to level the score just ten minutes later after winning a penalty. However, their skipper, Sam Adams, squandered the chance, his tame effort easily saved by Kotoko’s alert goalkeeper, Mohammed Kamara—a miss that would haunt the visitors for the rest of the game.
The second half saw both teams intensify their efforts, with midfield battles and tactical adjustments shaping a tense, gripping encounter. Kotoko, however, managed to maintain a slight advantage in possession and composure, keeping Aduana’s attacks largely at bay.
Despite late pressure and five minutes of added time, Zito’s side held on resiliently, securing a crucial three points that could well be the foundation for a late-season surge.
The win not only ends Kotoko’s poor run but also injects fresh optimism into the club’s camp as Coach Abdul-Karim Zito begins his tenure on a winning note.
