Zesco United coach George Lwandamina stated after the game that his side won to protect their ‘intergrity’ and pride’ and nothing more.

Zesco United had nothing to play for as they were already out of ou the competition but they still put out a strong performance against Kotoko in Zambia.



Asante Kotoko had the perfect chance to qualify for the quater-finals last week but blew heir chances as they drew at home against Al-Hilal, they needed a win against Zesco United to qualify but lost 2-1 to the Zambian team.

Speaking to the press, Zesco United boss said they won for themselves.

“They wanted it more like their coach said but we also needed to win to protect our pride and intergrity that’s why we gave them good run for their money.

“Both sides showed character, it was a cagey match but unfortunately both teams are out of the competition.”



ZESCO and Kotoko exited the competition with seven points apiece.

Asante Kotoko boss CK Akonnor has revealed that Emmanuel Gyamfi won’t be available for Kotoko’s clash with Al-Hilal on Sunday in Kumasi.

Emmanuel Gyamfi came out injured after scoring in Asante Kotoko’s 3-0 victory against Nkana FC on Sunday, the winger was replaced by Kwame Boahene.



CK Akonnor stated that the winger won’t feature in their next game against Al-Hilal, he added that he is yet to know the full extent of the injury.

Former Asante Kotoko player Frimpong Manso wants CK Akonnor to maintain the two central defenders that featured in their 3-0 victory against Nkana FC on Sunday, he believes the pair should retain their place against Al-Hilal this weekend.

Wahab Adams and Ishmail Ganiyu were solid at the back on Sunday when Asante Kotoko cruised to a 3-0 victory against Nkana FC, the duo made sure they ended the game without conceding a goal.

Frimpong Manso who is now the Head coach of Nkoranza Warriors FC believes that the introduction of Wahab Adams was crucial and should be maintained.

“I think the introduction of Wahab Adams to the defense of Kotoko was really good, He played very well, maintaining that pair of defenders could help the course of the club, he told Light FM



He also praised Daniel Darkwah who came in for suspended Amos Frimpong for his wonderful display in the game.

“Also, Daniel Darkwah did very well, his surging runs, passes, and crosses was simply brilliant. All he needs is consistency in playing more matches”.

“Kotoko played splendidly in the first half but their second half was the problem. I believe going forward with help of the coach CK Akonnor, he will improve their second half”, he added.

Asante Kotoko will host Al-Hilal this weekend as they will look to maintain their winning mentality.

CK Akonnor was asked if the absence of Amos Frimpong will affect the team

“Amos Frimpong is the head of the team and he has handled this responsibility very well, Felix Annan is the deputy Captain and he will do a good job in replacing him”

“We will look for another left back to replace Amos Frimpong tomorrow” he added

When asked how is handling miscommunication issues in the defensive department



“Most of our games we have seen individual errors, not team errors, so this should be addressed individually and we have done that. But there will be a change and Wahab will replace one of the defenders, and we are hoping that he will bring a change in that area”

CK Akonnor was asked about the importance of the new Energy Drink sponsorship

“The sponsorship is good, it will obviously help the club financially and will help the boys too, but my focus is not really there now, I am focused on our game tomorrow”

CK Akonnor was asked if he was under pressure

“Yes I am under pressure, but pressure is not necessary. However, I have taken that in good fate, the fans want to see us win and I can’t stop them”



CK Akonnor was asked what he would consider success in their African campaign

“We are successful already, a few months ago people were talking and talking because they never thought we will be here.”

“We want to be able to qualify for the quarter-finals, and we will do that as a team. We challenge ourselves and we still improving, people can talk about what they want”

On available and unavailable players in the team



Darkwah and Abbass will be available.

Asante Kotoko held their training session at the Baba Yara stadium on Friday to prepare for the game against Nkana FC on Sunday.

Asante Kotoko arrived at the Baba Yara Stadium on Friday just a few minutes after 2 pm, the players alighted the team bus and went into the stadium and began their training session.

CK Akonnor had a short group chat with his players before the kicked off the training session.



Player Updates:

Sogne Yacouba, Gyamfi, Baakoh, Fatawu, Felix Annan, Tagoe and Amos Frimpong were among the best performers in the training session.

Update on Richard Senanu:

Richard Senanu didn’t train with the first team on Friday, the midfielder was working with the fitness coach on the sidelines.



Early signs are indicating that Senanu might not feature in the Sunday game.

CK Akonnor had a chat with Senanu and the fitness coach, the coach was making gestures of encouragement when talking to Senanu.

Update on Naby Keita:

Naby Keita didn’t impress in the attacking training session, he miscued the ball several times and CK Akonnor was shouting, he clearly wanted a better reaction from the Ivorian striker who looked dull on Friday.

Overall Injury and Suspension Update:



Amos Frimpong trained with them despite the fact he will miss the Sunday game due to Yellow card accumulation.

Richard Senanu remained on the sidelines on Friday, he partook in fitness training with the fitness coach and will wait till Saturday to see if he can feature in the Sunday game.

Asante Kotoko talisman Sogne Yacouba has reassured his fans that he won’t be leaving Kotoko anytime soon after media reports revealed that Zesco United and Nkana FC are interested in signing him.

The 27-year old revealed that he isn’t looking to move away from Kotoko now, he added that he wants to leave his mark at ‘one of the biggest clubs in the continent’.

“I read the stories about Nkana and Zesco interest on some websites. I’m not leaving Kotoko now” he told KickGH

“Kotoko is one of the biggest clubs on the continent and I have no plans of leaving now. I want to leave a mark at the club” he added.



Sogne Yacouba has been involved in three goals (two assists, one goal) in Asante Kotoko’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign so far.

Nkana FC defender Ben Adama has revealed that it is going to be difficult for them in Kumasi but adds that they will go to the game with a winning mentality.

The former Kotoko defender stated that they will fight for all three points but admits that a draw won’t be a bad result for him and his team.

Asante Kotoko arrive in Ghana after CAF CC defeat

“It was a great feeling playing against my former team(Kotoko) but it was normal for me as a professional player,” he told Ash FM.



“Our players were scared before the game because they were asking me a lot about the Kotoko team,” he added.

“We are coming with a winning mentality but it won’t be easy playing against Kotoko in Kumasi, so a draw won’t be bad for Nkana FC on Sunday.”

“This current Kotoko team is very good and with young talents, they will be very good if the management can maintain the team for 2 to 3 years.”

Nkana FC will arrive in Ghana on Wednesday for the game in Kumasi on Sunday.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) have appointed Gabonese referee Gauthier Mihindou to handle the return leg tie of Asante Kotoko and Nkana FC that will take place in Kumasi on Sunday.

Gauthier Mihindou will be assisted by his countrymen Moussounda Montel and Marlaise Ditsoga Boris (linesmen) with Pierre Ghislain Atcho as the fourth official.

Officials for the CAF Confederation Cup game on Sunday:

Center referee: Mihindou Mbina Gaunthier (Gabon)



Assistant ref 1: Moussounda Montel (Gabon)

Assistant ref 2: Marlaise Ditsoga Boris (Gabon)

4th official: Pierre Ghislain Atcho (Gabon)



MC: Andy Quamie (Liberia)

Asante Kotoko arrived in Ghana on Tuesday after CAF Confederation Cup game where the suffered defeat against Zambian side Nkana FC.

CK Akonnor and his boys landed at the Kotoko International Airport on Tuesday and will travel to Kumasi by bus.



The porcupines will host Nkana FC on Sunday at the Baba Yara stadium in Kumasi where they will seek to revenge their defeat against the Zambian club.

Nkana FC head coach Coach Beston Chambeshi revealed that it was tough for his side to claim victory against Asante Kotoko on Sunday in Kitwe.

Nkana FC cruised to a 3-1 victory against Asante Kotoko on Sunday to put themselves at the top of the group with six points.

Beston Chambeshi gave credit to CK Akonnor’s boys after the game, he acknowledged the quality of the Ghanaian side.



“Kotoko are a good team and it wasn’t easy for us,” Nkana coach Beston Chambeshi said.

“But I am happy with the way the boys have come out after losing the derby in the league to our rivals Power Dynamos.

“We prepared very well for this game and the win shows we can fight back and play at any level.”



Asante Kotoko will host Nkana FC on March 3rd in Kumasi.