Zito Demands Response as Kotoko Set Sights on Aduana in FA Cup Showdown
Asante Kotoko head coach Abdul Karim Zito has thrown down the gauntlet to his players ahead of their MTN FA Cup Round of 16 encounter with Aduana FC, insisting the fixture is a defining test of their champion mentality.
The Porcupine Warriors, who are defending champions of the competition, head into Saturday’s clash on February 7 seeking redemption after a difficult spell, highlighted by a 3-1 league defeat to Heart of Lions in Kpando.
With league inconsistency denting confidence, Zito believes the FA Cup offers Kotoko the ideal platform to reset their season and remind everyone of their pedigree.
“I told them we don’t have any excuse against Aduana,” Zito said firmly. “We should do the amendment and improve on the match we played against Heart of Lions.”
The experienced coach emphasized that mentality, rather than tactics alone, will be decisive on the day.
“We have to change the mindset; we have to put it behind and then come out and fight to prove that we are really the defending champions,” he added.
Beyond progression to the quarter-finals, the Aduana tie carries wider significance for Kotoko. A positive result would not only keep their FA Cup defence alive but also inject belief ahead of a looming blockbuster clash with rivals Hearts of Oak.
