Abdul Karim Quits Asante Kotoko Job

Abdul Karim Zito has resigned from his position as Head Coach of Asante Kotoko with immediate effect, following the club’s exit from the MTN FA Cup at the round of 16 stage.

The decision was confirmed by the club in an official statement released on February 9, 2026, and comes after a difficult run of results for the Porcupine Warriors in recent weeks.

Confirming his resignation, the club stated: “Abdul Karim Zito Kabutey has resigned from his role as Head Coach of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club with immediate effect. Management has accepted the resignation, expressed its appreciation to the coach for his services and wished him the best in his future endeavours.”

The statement added that the club’s new technical direction will be communicated in due course. Zito’s exit was announced ahead of Kotoko’s crucial league clash against rivals Accra Hearts of Oak on Sunday, February 15, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

Kotoko are currently fifth on the Ghana Premier League table, eight points behind leaders Medeama SC, after managing just one win in their last five matches.

Zito explained that he chose to step down after carefully reviewing his performance during his time at the club. His resignation also comes shortly after Kotoko were eliminated from the MTN FA Cup by Aduana Stars at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. The match ended goalless after regulation time, but Kotoko lost 4-2 in the penalty shootout, ending their title defence.

In the league, Kotoko have drawn twice and lost twice in their last five games, including a heavy 3-1 defeat to Kpando Heart of Lions. The poor run of form raised concerns among supporters and club officials. Speaking after the FA Cup loss, assistant coach Prince Owusu described the elimination as embarrassing.

Zito was appointed head coach in July 2025, taking over from Prosper Narteh Ogum, with the task of steering the club in a better direction. During his eight-month spell, from July 2025 to February 2026, he managed 37 competitive matches. He recorded 19 wins, 11 draws, and 7 losses, giving him a win percentage of 51 percent. Under his leadership, Kotoko scored 50 goals, conceded 31, and kept 19 clean sheets.

In continental football, Zito led Kotoko in the CAF Confederation Cup, where the team played four matches, won two, and lost two, exiting the competition at an early stage.

Despite the recent struggles, Zito enjoyed notable success during his tenure. He guided Kotoko to win the MTN FA Cup, the President’s Cup, the Champion of Champions Cup (Super Cup), and the Toyota Cup in South Africa during an international pre-season tour, all within the eight-month period.