Kotoko miss chance to close gap in GPL

Asante Kotoko head coach Karim Zito has admitted his side let a crucial opportunity slip after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Heart of Lions on Matchday 21 of the Ghana Premier League.

The Porcupine Warriors went into Saturday’s clash at the Kpando Sports Stadium knowing that a win would significantly boost their title push, following league leaders Medeama’s 2-1 loss to Nations FC at the Dr Kwame Kyei Sports Complex.

However, Kotoko failed to capitalise as Heart of Lions produced a spirited performance to secure all three points on home soil and dent the Kumasi-based club’s hopes of closing the gap at the top.

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Speaking after the game, Zito did not hide his disappointment, describing the result as a missed golden opportunity in the title race.

“Medeama lost yesterday, and today was our chance to close the gap. Honestly, I feel we missed that opportunity,” he said.

“That is why I was not expecting this result, because in terms of preparation, we worked very hard. We prepared extremely well.”

The Kotoko boss also acknowledged the challenges of playing in Kpando, a venue he described as traditionally difficult for his side, but stressed that it was not an excuse for the defeat.

“Kpando is always a very difficult place for Kotoko to come and play. But putting that aside, I had a plan to at least win this game. Unfortunately, it didn’t go the way I wanted it to.”

The defeat leaves Kotoko fifth on the league table with 35 points, while Medeama, despite their loss to Nations FC, remain top of the standings.

Attention now shifts to Matchday 22, where Kotoko face arch-rivals Hearts of Oak in a high-stakes Super Clash at the Baba Yara Stadium.

PAH/MA

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