Asante Kotoko head coach Karim Zito has downplayed concerns about his side playing their CAF Confederation Cup home fixture against Nigerian club Kwara United at the Accra Sports Stadium instead of the traditional Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.
Speaking to Akoma FM, Zito insisted that the venue switch should not be seen as a setback, but rather as an opportunity to strengthen the team’s mentality for continental competition.
“We are from Kumasi, but we are going to play in Accra. For me, that is an advantage, not a disadvantage. Yes, we may not get the full support from our home fans, but at the end of the day, it is still an away match. And that means the next match will also be away. That is the mindset we are going with,” he said.
The experienced coach stressed the importance of adjusting quickly to the new environment, reminding his players that most of their Confederation Cup campaign will involve traveling and adapting to different grounds.
“You have to believe in your situation and not lie to yourself. This is the reality we are facing. Immediately after Berekum Chelsea game, we are moving to Accra, so the mentality has to be Accra. The perception should be Accra, because that is where we are going to play in Africa whether we like it or not. After that, we travel again. So it’s the same thing, it all comes down to attitude and mindset.”
Zito further recalled Dreams FC’s history of adjusting to different bases, noting how the club previously relocated from Accra to Kumasi and still thrived.
Kotoko will host Kwara United in Accra in the first leg before traveling to Nigeria for the return fixture. Zito has already set a clear target of reaching at least the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, describing it as the minimum benchmark for success this season.
The switch from Kumasi to Accra comes as the Baba Yara Sports Stadium remains unavailable for CAF matches due to regulatory concerns, but Zito insists his side has mentally prepared for the change.
Credit: 3news.com
