2025/26 GPL: We are still in the title race - Kotoko Coach Karim Zito

Asante Kotoko head coach Karim Zito has insisted his side remain firmly in the hunt for the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League title, despite recent setbacks that have seen them slip to fourth place in the standings.

The Porcupine Warriors have collected 32 points from 19 matches, leaving them some distance off the pace, but Zito believes the season is still wide open and has urged patience and resilience.

Speaking to the club’s media ahead of Matchday 20, when Kotoko host Basake Holy Stars at the Baba Yara Stadium, the experienced coach said he has no intention of abandoning the club’s title ambitions.

“You have to make your intentions known and then work towards them, and that is exactly what we are doing,” Zito said. “I still believe it is not too late. It’s a marathon.”

He warned against writing teams off too early, noting that the long nature of the league season often brings shifts in momentum.

“Some teams start well, but there comes a time when gaps close or open, and that’s when people decide to give up. But this is me, I don’t give up until it ends,” he added.

Zito also acknowledged the ups and downs of football, describing the title race as one that can change quickly.

“Football is about moments. There are times when things go well for you, and there are times when they don’t,” he said.

Using everyday life as an analogy, the former Ghana international urged his players to respond positively to difficult periods.

“When things don’t go well, you don’t sit down and cry. You fight hard and come back to achieve your target. So we are not giving up; we are still fighting.”

Asante Kotoko will welcome Basake Holy Stars to the Baba Yara Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:30, as they look to turn belief into points and keep their title push alive.