Kotoko deny ‘missing coach’ claims after heavy Medeama defeat

Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko have dismissed reports that interim head coach Prince Yaw Owusu has gone missing from the club’s camp, following their recent defeat to Medeama SC.

Speculation emerged after Owusu failed to report to training sessions in the aftermath of Kotoko’s 4-0 loss, a result that all but ended their hopes of winning silverware this season. The Porcupine Warriors now sit 10 points behind in the Ghana Premier League title race, with only five matches remaining.

The rumours suggested the coach had gone into hiding over fears for his safety, amid reports of threats following the humiliating defeat. However, the club has strongly rejected those claims.

In a statement signed by Communications Director Samuel Sarfo Duku, Kotoko described the reports as “false and misleading”.

“The club wishes to firmly debunk rumours suggesting that Interim Head Coach Prince Yaw Owusu has left the team’s camp without notice. These claims are untrue,” the statement said.

It added that Owusu had formally requested leave to attend to urgent family matters while mourning the death of his mother.

“He is expected to return to Kumasi this morning, and any further updates or decisions will be officially communicated in due course,” it said.

Owusu was appointed on an interim basis after the mid-season departure of Karim Zito, but has struggled to steady the team. Kotoko’s form has remained inconsistent, and their title challenge has faded in recent weeks.

With expectations high at the start of the campaign, the club now faces the prospect of ending the season without a trophy, a situation likely to intensify scrutiny and raise questions about its direction ahead of the next campaign.