Head coach of Asante Kotoko, Seydou Zerbo, says the club will continue to do well without last season's top scorer, Franck Mbella Etouga, ahead of their CAF Champions League preliminary stage fixture against RC Kadiogo.

Despite joining in pre-season training ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, Etouga is yet to feature in a game for the Porcupine Warriors, missing the tour in Sudan as well as the first leg clash against Kadiogo in Benin.

The player has been heavily linked with a move away from the Ghana Premier League champions, with Egypt's Al Masry said to be the latest to join the chase.

Ahead of the game at the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, Zerbo was quizzed on the impact the player's likely absence could have on the club.

“Asante Kotoko is a big club and if Mbella isn’t around, that doesn’t mean the club won’t be there," he said during his pre-match conference.

"I heard he’s is an important player but I didn’t work with him but I believe those who won in Benin can equally step up for the club."

Etouga scored 21 goals for Kotoko during the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League season, one short of top scorer, Yaw Annor.