Kotoko players to be assessed for CAF Confederation Cup with GHALCA Top 4 tournament

Asante Kotoko head coach Abdul Karim Zito has welcomed the 2025 GHALCA Top 4 tournament, stressing its importance in preparing his squad for the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

Kotoko suffered a narrow defeat in their opening fixture against Ghana Premier League champions Bibiani GoldStars on Wednesday at the University of Ghana Stadium, but Zito remains upbeat about the benefits of the competition.

According to the experienced tactician, the Top 4 offers the Porcupine Warriors valuable opportunities to test themselves against top-level opposition in Ghana, something he insists is difficult to arrange through friendlies.

“It [GHALCA Top 4] will help me a lot, it will help those of us who have qualified for Africa,” Zito said. “Because in Ghana, trying to find matches like this is very, very difficult. You don't see Kotoko playing Hearts because they want to strengthen their team. You don't see Medeama playing Kotoko in friendly matches. It doesn't come. I will take this one as some of the friendly matches we are going to play and how I want my boys to play. So I will assess the boys by the Top Four and see how best we can also face Africa.”

Kotoko begin their CAF Confederation Cup journey against Nigeria’s Kwara United in the first preliminary round, with the first leg scheduled in Ghana between September 19 and 21, before the return leg in Ilorin from September 26 to 28.

Progression will see Kotoko face a stern test against Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Casablanca in October, a clash Zito believes his side must be fully prepared for.

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