Asante Kotoko have stepped up preparations for their crucial second-leg clash with Kwara United in the CAF Confederation Cup, with head coach Abdul Karim Zito placing special emphasis on tightening the defense.

The Porcupine Warriors claimed a narrow 4–3 victory in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium, leaving them with only a slender one-goal cushion heading into the decisive encounter in Ilorin, Nigeria.

Zito, who openly acknowledged defensive lapses after the first-leg thriller, has made it clear that improvement at the back is his top priority. “I’ve seen my mistakes and I have to do well and rectify them before we go there,” he said after the home win.

This week’s training sessions have reflected that commitment, with Kotoko drilling their backline and focusing on better organization to keep the Nigerian side at bay. The Ghanaian giants know that a disciplined defensive display will be key to advancing to the next stage of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round.