2026 brought brimstone and fire for Kotoko’s opening act in the Ghana Premier League.

Where to begin? Let’s see... the pitch.

For three weeks, Karim Zito has moaned about how injuries have robbed him of his ideal midfield combination.

Yet, when he eventually got Hillary Adabo, Seth Kwadwo, and Hubert Gyau available, Zito did not appear to know what to do with them against Swedru All Blacks.

Or he did not know how to deal with the All Blacks midfield.

While Kotoko started each half well, they were quickly found out after 10 minutes, and it is not rocket science to figure out why.

Ahmed Fathi, the All Blacks coach, simply vacated the wide areas for Kotoko and instructed Solomon Anyork and captain Kweku Asuandzie Baffoe to drop deep in the buildup.

If you add the full back on the flank and the three midfielders, that is six players for the All Blacks in the second phase of their build-up.

What did Kotoko do? Nothing.

Kotoko's shape remained unchanged as Peter Amidu Acquah stayed wide, while Philip Amoh dropped deep occasionally.

You can see why this did not make for a happy ending.

In the first half, Kotoko did not create any chance apart from Peter Amidu Acquah's effort in the 40th minute. It was their only shot on target.

The second half followed a similar pattern, even when All Blacks dropped deep, as Kotoko struggled to create any clear-cut chance.

On the bright side, Zito has his preferred midfield combination available. It is the one area he has complained about the most.

But the team could still do with a few more goals. Kotoko's top scorers, Hubert Gyau, Donzo Morifing and Peter Amidu Acquah have all scored 4 goals after 17 matches.

To the extent that the pursuit of a center forward makes sense.

Operation-Rudolph

Last month, the club wrote to Swedru All Blacks to formally express their interest in Rudolph Nana Kwesi Mensah, who has scored 6 goals in the league.

The All Blacks, in their usual proud and bullish tone, indicated that the player was not available for sale under any circumstances.

As fate would have it, the striker scored the winning goal against Kotoko.

On Sunday, Kotoko's entourage informed their hosts that the Asantehene was interested in a meeting with All Blacks president, Stephen Ato Quayson, to discuss the matter.

Sources at the club have informed JoySports that the board’s position remains unchanged, and they will only consider further talks at the end of the season.

All Blacks are currently 9th on the league table with 22 points, but are just 4 points above the drop zone.

With half a season still to go, it would be stupid to sell the most valuable asset when their status as a Premier League club is not guaranteed.

Yet, Kotoko’s domineering status cannot be taken for granted.

If they really want to, Kotoko could make an offer that the club cannot refuse. Rudolph himself is interested in the move. Obviously.

Even the board and club president may have a change of heart if the terms are too good to refuse.

After Sunday’s match, Ahmed Fathi was asked by journalists if the striker was for sale.

‘‘No. He is not for sale. I don't know what the board will do but as far I'm concerned, he is not for sale.’’

For now, All Blacks will take the three points and keep Rudolph, as they navigate the choppy waters of a relegation dogfight, while Kotoko try to gather what remains of their title ambitions.