Asante Kotoko head coach Karim Zito has lauded his players after they bounced back from a disappointing GHALCA Top 4 campaign to lift the 2025 Champion of Champions title.

The Porcupine Warriors defeated Premier League champions Bibiani Gold Stars 1-0 at the DUNs Park on Sunday, with new signing Musa Hamzata netting the decisive second-half goal.

Kotoko had endured a poor run in the pre-season Top 4 tournament, losing all three matches to Gold Stars, Heart of Lions, and Hearts of Oak. But Zito explained that his side’s struggles were due to a hectic fixture schedule that left little room for recovery.

“The GHALCA Tournament timing was very bad for us, not for the other clubs,” Zito said.

“Immediately after the league, we played the FA Cup, the President’s Cup, and then travelled. All this while, other clubs were resting.”

The coach admitted that Kotoko entered the Top 4 still in the basic phase of pre-season, which contributed to the defensive errors and sluggish performances witnessed earlier.

“When we started playing matches, I wasn’t expecting something too good from my boys,” he added.

“Most of the goals we conceded came from minor mistakes or set-pieces. But by the last game against Hearts of Oak, you could see that my boys were picking up.”

Zito’s faith in his squad was ultimately justified as Kotoko turned the corner to claim another piece of silverware.

“I told the players, I trust you, I know what you can do. We can go and win the Champion of Champions. One thing I always say is, you can’t beat Zito twice — and I meant it.”

The victory not only restored confidence in the Porcupine Warriors camp but also served as crucial preparation ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary clash with Nigeria’s Kwara United later this month.

Meanwhile, Gold Stars, despite the defeat, will take valuable lessons into their CAF Champions League tie against Algeria’s JS Kabylie.