Asante Kotoko head coach, Abdul Karim Zito, says his side is fully prepared to take on Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca in the CAF Confederation Cup. The Porcupine Warriors will host Wydad at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 19, 2025, for the first leg of their second preliminary round tie. The return fixture will take place a week later in Morocco.

The overall winner will progress to the group stage — a milestone Zito describes as the team’s minimum target this season.

“We are definitely ready. We’ll put finishing touches to our preparations tomorrow,” Zito told Joy Sports.

“We’ve studied Wydad’s game carefully and implemented what I want the players to do on Sunday. Everyone is focused and ready.”

Kotoko enter this clash in high spirits after eliminating Kwara United of Nigeria in the previous round, winning 4–3 in Ghana and 1–0 away in Abeokuta.

Zito believes that a win in Accra will set the tone for qualification.

“If we beat Wydad here, it means I have another game to plan for in Morocco,” he said.

“The goal is to avoid conceding there, just like we did against Kwara. Our main target is to reach the group stage — that’s what we’re working for.”

The coach emphasized the importance of winning the home leg, using a passionate message to motivate his players.

> “It’s very important to win in Accra,” he said. “I told them, ‘You will not see Africa until you are in Africa.’ I reminded them how Dreams FC made it to the CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals and now all those players have moved on. This is their moment to showcase their talent and make people believe in them.”

Asante Kotoko will be counting on the home crowd’s support when the game kicks off at 3:00 p.m. GMT.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has turned down Asante Kotoko’s request to use the Baba Yara Sports Stadium for their upcoming CAF Confederation Cup fixture against Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club.

The Kumasi-based club had hoped to host the second preliminary round match at their traditional home ground, citing recent upgrades made to the facility. However, CAF has deemed the stadium unfit to stage the high-profile encounter, insisting it does not meet the required standards.

In a statement issued by the club, management expressed regret over the decision, confirming that the first-leg tie will now take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, October 19, 2025, with kick-off set for 3:00 p.m.

“Asante Kotoko regrets to inform its supporters that CAF has declined the approval of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to host our CAF Confederation Cup clash against Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco,” the statement read.

The Porcupine Warriors advanced to this stage of the competition after eliminating Nigeria’s Kwara United with a 5–3 aggregate victory in the first round.

Before turning their attention to the continental challenge, Kotoko will face city rivals Nations FC in a Ghana Premier League encounter on October 11.

Black Stars head coach Otto Addo has expressed strong confidence in Ghana’s chances of defeating the Central African Republic (CAR) in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Wednesday in Meknes, Morocco.

Addressing the media ahead of the game, Addo emphasized the importance of focus, discipline, and determination as Ghana looks to secure a vital victory that would move them closer to qualification.

“I just hope we’ve learned from the experience in Chad. We must stay focused until the final whistle,” Addo said. “We have to defend strongly and take our chances in attack. I’m confident we can keep a clean sheet and score one or two goals.”

The coach welcomed the return of Alidu Seidu and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, who have recovered from injuries and are back in the squad. “It’s not something to take for granted. They’ve worked hard to return and have been impressive in their leagues. I’m very happy to have them back,” he added.

Addo stressed that his main priority is the team’s success rather than personal glory. “I’m not thinking about myself. It’s about the team and the task ahead. We need to win this game — that’s all that matters,” he said.

Ghana currently tops their qualifying group, and Addo believes victory over CAR would put them in a commanding position to book a ticket to the World Cup. “We’re in control of our destiny. If we win this match, our chances of qualifying become very high,” he stated.

The coach also addressed the absence of striker Iñaki Williams, who withdrew due to injury. “It’s always difficult to lose players, but we’re fortunate to have depth. Brandon Thomas has been in good form, and he deserves his place,” Addo explained.

He admitted that injuries to players like Abdul Mumin and Ernest Nuamah have complicated selection decisions but said competition within the team is healthy. “It’s not easy to choose who starts, but that’s what we want — players pushing each other to perform,” he noted.

Addo downplayed any advantage of playing on neutral ground in Morocco, noting that consistency and experience would be key. “We’ve played on neutral grounds before, sometimes well, sometimes not. What matters is how we perform. I’m glad it’s an evening game; that helps our rhythm,” he said.

On handling pressure, the coach remained calm and optimistic. “Pressure is part of football. We’re used to it, and the players are experienced enough. We just have to meet expectations and deliver,” he affirmed.

Addo also praised senior players like Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Alexander Djiku for their leadership, adding that stability in team selection helps build chemistry. “Consistency is vital. Too many changes make it hard for players to connect,” he noted.

He singled out Kudus for praise following his impressive performances at Tottenham Hotspur. “He’s been excellent — creating chances, scoring, and assisting. That form boosts the whole team,” Addo said.

Concluding, the coach thanked Ghanaians for their unwavering support. “Once again, I want to thank our fans for believing in us. We’ll fight hard to make them proud tomorrow,” he assured.

Ghana currently sits at the top of their qualifying group, and a win over the Central African Republic at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknes would put the Black Stars within touching distance of a fifth World Cup appearance.