Asante Kotoko defender Gilbani Ndongani Samba O’Neil has delivered an honest assessment of his debut season in Ghana, balancing pride in his individual performance with disappointment over missed team objectives.

The 25-year-old Congolese centre-back, who joined the Porcupine Warriors at the beginning of the 2024/25 season, was a standout figure in the club’s defense, making 30 league appearances and scoring one goal. His solid displays helped anchor Kotoko’s backline throughout the campaign.

Despite a strong push in the league, Kotoko fell short of the title.

However, they capped the season by lifting the MTN FA Cup, securing a spot in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup.

In a post-season interview with the club’s media, Samba O’Neil admitted he had hoped for more.

“I wanted to win two trophies with Asante Kotoko, but it didn’t happen,” he said. “I’m not happy because I only won one trophy—the FA Cup—with my team.”

The remarks underscore Samba’s winning mentality and hunger for greater success, sentiments that will surely resonate with the Kotoko faithful and the club's technical team.

As Kotoko prepare for a return to continental competition, Samba O’Neil is expected to play a crucial role in the club’s ambitions both in the CAF Confederation Cup and the domestic league next season.

With one season of Ghanaian football behind him, the Congolese defender appears firmly focused on helping Kotoko raise the bar in 2025/26.