Karim Zito Reveals Tactical Blueprint Behind Toyota Cup Win
Asante Kotoko head coach Karim Zito has opened up about the strategy that steered his team to a dramatic Toyota Cup victory over South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs, revealing a game plan rooted in calculated defense and player fatigue management.
The match, held at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, ended goalless in regulation time and was decided by penalties, where the Porcupine Warriors triumphed 3-2. Kaizer Chiefs nearly snatched a late win in regular time, but a missed chance by Inacio Miguel kept the game level.
Managing Fitness, Prioritizing Development
Speaking post-match, Zito explained his intentionally cautious approach. “We didn’t attack too much today, but we were ready defensively because we know they were ahead of us in terms of preparations and team cohesion,” he said. “So I had to use my sense of judgment to go according to the players I have.”
He attributed the conservative tactics to Kotoko’s demanding schedule, which included appearances in both the FA Cup and President’s Cup, coupled with a lack of training days. “We didn’t train for three days either. So I knew the players would feel that, which is why the plan was to sit back,” he added.
Despite the victory, Zito emphasized that results are secondary to long-term growth. With the team expected to regroup for the GHALCA Top 4 tournament on August 20–24 at the Baba Yara Stadium, Kotoko’s preparations are focused on building a competitive squad for both the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League and the CAF Confederation Cup.
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