Asante Kotoko head coach Karim Zito has admitted that the absence of in-form striker Kwame Opoku was a major setback in their goalless draw against Bibiani Gold Stars on Sunday, May 25, 2025.

The Porcupine Warriors missed a crucial opportunity to close the gap on Ghana Premier League leaders Nations FC, as they were held at the Bibiani Dun’s Park in a tense top-of-the-table clash.

Opoku, who joined Kotoko in December 2024, has been instrumental in Kotoko’s title push, scoring 9 goals so far in the League. He was unavailable for the game after being called up by Black Stars coach Otto Addo for the upcoming Unity Cup in London.

Speaking after the match, Zito didn’t shy away from the impact of his absence.

"I missed one of my best players, so certainly not having him in this game affected me," Zito admitted.

"I said it before the match—I wish he was here with us. But it’s a fact of football. I can’t stop him from progressing. Even I would go if the Black Stars called me. So I hold no grudge; I only wish him well."

The result leaves Kotoko third on the league table with 55 points and two games remaining, as the title race intensifies.