Charles Taylor Urges Asante Kotoko to Step Up Ahead of CAF Confederation Cup Campaign
Former Asante Kotoko forward Charles Taylor has cautioned the Porcupine Warriors to raise their level of performance if they are to make a meaningful impact in the upcoming 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup.
Kotoko will make their return to continental football for the first time since 2022, having earned qualification through their triumph in last season’s Ghana FA Cup. The Kumasi-based giants will face Nigerian side Kwara United in the first preliminary round, with the opening leg scheduled to take place in Kumasi between September 19 and 21, before traveling for the second leg in Ilorin from September 26 to 28.
Taylor, a former Ghana international and club legend, expressed concern over Kotoko’s recent displays in the just-ended GHALCA Top 4 tournament, where they struggled for consistency.
“Asante Kotoko must improve their game before the Africa campaign. As a lifelong Kotoko fan and former player, I will urge the team to step up if they are to make an impact in the competition. I don’t see any seriousness in the team considering their output at the just-ended GHALCA Top 4. I saw a lot of blunders — the players were just playing for playing sake. A lot of things must change before the competition starts,” Taylor remarked.
Kotoko, however, remain optimistic about making a strong impression on the continental stage. Should they progress past Kwara United, the Porcupine Warriors will face Moroccan heavyweights Wydad Casablanca in the second preliminary round.
The first leg of that encounter is scheduled for October 17 to 19, with the return fixture set between October 24 and 26.
With continental football beckoning, Kotoko will be keen to heed the warnings of their former star and address their shortcomings as they prepare to fly Ghana’s flag in Africa.
