My defenders “surprised me”- Karim Zito after Kotoko concede three goals in win over Kwara United

Kumasi Asante Kotoko head coach Abdul Karim Zito says his defenders ‘surprised” him in Kotoko’s game against Nigeria’s Kwara United.

Kotoko beat Kwara United 4-3 in the first of a two legged tie at the Accra Sports Stadium in the preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Porcupine Warriors conceded twice in the first half and after striker Albert Amoah put Kotoko up 4-2 in the 73^rd minute, Abdulraheem Shola scored in the 85^th minute to reduce Kwara’s deficit.

The second leg takes place in Nigeria on Sunday, September 28 and speaking a post-game presser, Karim Zito said that his defenders performance surprised him.

“Well I was also surprised for the goals [we conceded] the way you were surprised. Today, if you were to be in my dressing room, I applauded the attackers and then told the defenders, you are surprising me.”

“This is the first time some of them [Kotoko players] are playing in this type of competition, it’s not easy but…I’ve seen my mistakes and I have to do well and rectify them before we go there [Nigeria]” Zito said.

FULL TIME pic.twitter.com/qLIYVznH5P

— Asante Kotoko SC – 2X CAF CL Winners🥇 (@AsanteKotoko_SC) September 21, 2025