‘My Players Were Panicking at Certain Point’ – Kotoko Coach Prince Owusu

Prince Yaw Owusu, Asante Kotoko’s interim coach, says his players panicked towards the end of the game against Hearts of Oak and somehow that contributed heavily to their frustrating 0-1 home loss against bitter rivals in the latest Super Clash at the Baba Yara Stadium over the weekend.

Baba Adamu rose highest to power home a clinical header in the 14th minute, giving the Phobians the lead they would defend stubbornly to claim a precious victory and inflict fresh wounds on the Porcupine Warriors’ campaign.

Speaking after the game, the former Black Satellites coach did not hold back having openly confessed his players were shaking at some level of the game because they wanted to level the score at all cost to avoid another heartbreak for their supporters

“My players panicked in the latter part of the game. We decided to use the flanks more and send in crosses, that was the game plan coming into the second half. My players were doing it right at the beginning but were struggling at certain point because they looked desperate for the equalizer.”

The result keeps Kotoko rooted in fifth spot on the Ghana Premier League standings with 35 points from 22 matches, still nine behind runaway leaders Medeama SC.

Asante Kotoko will now shift focus to the game against Young Apostles this Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Wenchi Stadium.

The team will hit the training ground hard this week to ensure they are fully prepared for the encounter as they look to bounce back and climb the table once more.