‘I Know Kotoko Fans are Agitated, But They Ought to Stay Calm’ – Karim Zito After FA Cup Defeat
Abdul Karim Zito has lost his fifth MTN FA Cup game since becoming Asante Kotoko’s head coach.
Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s quest to defend the FA Cup in the new season came to a halt after losing to Aduana Stars 4-2 in a penalty shootout.
The defending cup champions settled earlier in the game when Albert Amoah’s header was saved by Aduana Stars’ shot-stopper, Osei Prince, in the first minute of the match.
Asante Kotoko’s room to manoeuvre in the game came when Stephen Anokye Badu mistakenly handled a ball in the penalty box, but Samba Ndongani’s kick, as well as morifing Donzo’s rebound, was saved by Prince Osei at the sixth minute inside the first half.
Kumasi Asante, after several attempts failed to penetrate the central defence partnership of Alex Agyei and Stephen Anokye Badu, and the impact of Remember Adomako and Abubakar Adams at the right back and left back positions of Aduana Stars, made it difficult for Kotoko’s attacks.
The contest concluded without either team scoring, necessitating a penalty shootout, in which all opening kicks were missed by Asante Kotoko’s Kwame Poku and Alex Agyei of Aduana Stars.
Saka Dauda failed to convert the spot kick, which was a golden opportunity that fell in the path of Remember Adomako when he converted the last penalty to guarantee Aduana Stars’ progress to the next stage at the expense of the defending champions, Asante Kotoko.
Karim Zito, in a post-match interview, highlighted the emotional pains associated with the shocking defeat against a fierce rival in the country, and he also sought calmness from the supporters in the heat of the moment.
“Well, it’s painful, but there’s nothing we can do, as for knockout competitions, this is the characteristic of a knockout. I remember a four-tier team in Britain knocked out Manchester United. It’s very painful, but there’s nothing we can do,” Zito explained.
Zito insisted that the technical staff be supported by Asante Kotoko’s supporters in order to establish a strong team with a winning concept.
“I know they are agitated already, but I still tell them, this is football, and we are building. If they are patient, fine. If they are not patient, we will take it like that.”
Story by Attakorah (Pramaso)
