Kumasi Asante Kotoko assistant head coach Prince Yaw Owusu has admitted his team’s winless campaign in the 2025 GHALCA Top 4 tournament is a cause for concern, and a much-needed reality check ahead of their continental journey.
The Porcupine Warriors ended the pre-season competition without a single win, finishing with a 2-0 defeat to archrivals Accra Hearts of Oak at the University of Ghana Stadium.
“It’s a wake-up call for us,” Yaw Owusu told reporters after the final match. “We need to fight back and get back on the winning track.”
Kotoko’s pre-season struggles were evident throughout the Top 4 tournament. The team lost 2-1 to newly crowned Ghana Premier League champions Bibiani Gold Stars and suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Kpando Heart of Lions before falling to Hearts of Oak in their final game.
The results come at a critical time for the club, with their CAF Confederation Cup campaign set to kick off in September. Despite the disappointing run, Owusu remains hopeful the team can turn things around.
“This is exactly the kind of test we needed. It’s shown us what must change before we step onto the continental stage. We’re using these lessons to get the boys ready, not just for Africa, but for the league as well.”
Kotoko, one of Ghana’s most decorated clubs, has faced mounting pressure from fans following inconsistent performances in recent seasons. The pre-season tournament, though meant for sharpening tactics and testing formations, has left supporters with more questions than answers.
Still, within the camp, there’s an acknowledgment that the road to success often starts with setbacks.
“We’re not happy with the results, but we won’t dwell on them. What matters is how we respond,” Owusu added.
With only a few weeks remaining before their continental campaign begins, Kotoko will now return to training with urgency and introspection, aiming to rediscover the form and confidence that has defined their legacy in Ghanaian football.
