Asante Kotoko head coach Abdul Karim Zito has vowed to tighten his team’s defence before their decisive CAF Confederation Cup second-leg clash with Nigeria’s Kwara United on Sunday, September 28.

The Porcupine Warriors edged a pulsating 4-3 victory in the first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium, a match that exposed Kotoko’s defensive vulnerabilities. Kotoko twice fell behind in the first half but rallied to a 4-2 lead through Albert Amoah’s 73rd-minute strike, only for Kwara’s Abdulraheem Shola to pull one back late on and keep the tie delicately balanced.

Reflecting on the game, Zito admitted he was surprised by the lapses at the back, attributing them to his players’ limited experience on the continental stage. “This is the first time some of them are playing in this type of competition. It’s not easy, but I’ve seen my mistakes and I have to rectify them before we go to Nigeria,” he said.

Kotoko need at least a draw in Ilorin to secure passage to the next round, and Zito is determined to ensure his side are ready for the challenge.