Zito remains hopeful for positive outcomes in Morocco.
Zito remains hopeful for positive outcomes in Morocco.
Head coach of Asante Kotoko, Abdul Karim Zito, remains optimistic despite his side’s 1-0 home defeat to Wydad Casablanca in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie on Sunday.
The Porcupine Warriors, who eliminated Kwara United of Nigeria in the previous round, were hoping to build on that momentum.
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However, a second-half strike from Joseph Bakasu handed the Moroccan giants a crucial first-leg advantage at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Speaking to the media after the match, Zito admitted disappointment with the result but insisted that the tie is far from over.
“If someone had told me I would lose to Wydad, I would have said no. This is football; sometimes, certain things happen beyond your control. Some mistakes affected us, but it’s not all over. Anything can happen when we go there. We’re not going as losers; we’re going to fight and play well,” he said.
The Kotoko boss drew inspiration from their previous away triumph against Kwara United, reminding fans that his team has already defied the odds once before.
“Nobody gave us a chance when we went to Kwara, but we did it. So it’s not over until it’s all over.”
Zito also urged supporters to remain patient and keep faith in the team ahead of the decisive second leg in Morocco.
“It’s two games. We’ve lost the first one, but they can also lose at their home. Some situations in football are not impossible. The fans should be patient and wait for what happens in Morocco.”
Asante Kotoko will travel to Morocco this weekend for the return leg against Wydad Casablanca.
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