Asante Kotoko head coach Abdul Karim Zito has expressed his frustration over the absence of key players ahead of their crucial Ghana Premier League clash with Medeama SC on Sunday.
The match, set for a 3:00 pm GMT kickoff at Baba Yara Stadium on May 30, is vital for the Porcupine Warriors as they strive to keep their slim title hopes alive.
However, Kotoko’s preparations have been disrupted by several absences, with four players ruled out for the game.
Defender Samba (O’Neil) Gilbani, captain Justice Blay, and midfielder Dauda Saaka will all miss the match after picking up yellow cards in their recent goalless draw against Bibiani GoldStars.
Striker Kwame Opoku is also unavailable as he is away on international duty with the Black Stars at the Unity Cup in London.
In a pre-match interview, Zito admitted the situation was far from ideal and pointed to the officiating in their last game as a factor behind the suspensions.
“I’m not just losing Kwame Opoku. That’s why I seriously ran to the referee and assistant referee [during the game against Gold Stars] to complain that the yellow cards were too many.
“From that game alone, three of my regular players are now sidelined. Honestly, I’m not happy, but there’s nothing I can do,” he said.
