By Issah Olegor
Kumasi Asante Kotoko have entered a new chapter after Abdul Karim Zito officially resigned from his position as head coach of the club, bringing to an end a tenure that combined early success with growing pressure from recent poor results.
The Kumasi-based giants confirmed Zito’s resignation in a statement released ahead of their highly anticipated Ghana Premier League clash against arch-rivals Accra Hearts of Oak, scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the Baba Yara Stadium.
The timing of the announcement, just days before one of the club’s biggest fixtures of the season, underlined the seriousness of the situation and the urgency facing the club’s leadership.
Zito’s exit follows a difficult run of form in the league, where Kotoko currently sit fifth on the table after a sequence of disappointing results.
The Porcupine Warriors had drawn two and lost two of their last five league matches, including a 3–1 defeat to Kpando Heart of Lions, a result that intensified criticism of the team’s performances and consistency.
The pressure on the technical team was further compounded by Kotoko’s early exit from the MTN FA Cup, where they were eliminated at the round of 16 stage by Aduana Stars at the Baba Yara Stadium.
After a goalless draw in regulation time, Kotoko lost 4–2 on penalties, crashing out of the competition they had entered as defending champions.
Speaking after that match, assistant coach Prince Owusu publicly described the elimination as “embarrassing,” a comment that reflected the mood within the club and among supporters.
Despite the difficult ending, Zito’s tenure was not without achievements. Under his leadership, Kotoko won the FA Cup, the President’s Cup and the Champion of Champions Cup (Super Cup), restoring silverware to the club and briefly reasserting their dominance on the domestic stage.
Those successes had initially strengthened his standing with fans and management, before recent performances began to overshadow earlier accomplishments.
In its official statement, the club announced: “Abdul Karim Zito Kabutey has resigned from his role as the head coach of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club with immediate effect.” Management confirmed that the resignation had been accepted, expressed appreciation for his services, and wished him well in his future endeavours, adding that the club’s “new technical direction will be communicated in due course.”
