Asante Kotoko is set to bolster its squad during the January transfer window to address challenges posed by the unexpected disappearance of Sudanese players Abdoelkarem Yagoub and Esmat Abdulhamid.

The players, who joined Kotoko as part of a squad overhaul last summer, reportedly vanished from the team’s hotel in the United States during a friendly match against DC United on October 12.

CCTV footage showed the two players leaving the hotel without notifying team officials, and all attempts to locate them have been unsuccessful.

The duo’s request for a brief trip to exchange money had been denied earlier that day, heightening the mystery surrounding their disappearance.

The club's Head of Sporting Affairs, Kwasi Appiah, acknowledged the challenges posed by the absences and pledged support for head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum in acquiring reinforcements.

"We did not get a lot of players for the first round," Appiah noted during an interview with Asempa FM. "At some point, we had issues with selection because of injuries. If the coach submits what he needs, we will support him."

Despite managing with a depleted squad, Kotoko remains focused as they prepare for a crucial Ghana Premier League fixture against rivals Hearts of Oak on December 15 at the Baba Yara Stadium.

The team is currently 7th on the league table with 18 points, just one point behind their upcoming opponents, Hearts of Oak.

The incident involving Yagoub and Abdulhamid has added complexity to Kotoko's season, but the club’s proactive approach to addressing recruitment needs underscores their determination to remain competitive.

Fans will be eager to see how the team responds to this adversity in the highly anticipated clash against their rivals.