Three things Asante Kotoko must address ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup playoffs
Asante Kotoko were handed another shot in Africa after failing to make the group stages of the CAF Champions League following their humiliating 3-0 defeat against Etoile du Sahel in Tunisia.
In order not to repeat the same mistakes all over again in Africa, Asante Kotoko must address certain flaws if they want to achieve their goals in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Kotoko must improve their away form
Asante Kotoko have won only one of their last seven away games in Africa; conceding fourteen and scoring seven goals. Their away form is so bad that the fans don’t expect a win from their team whenever they play away from home, they only hope for ‘a good result’; a draw or a narrow loss, with the belief that they will win at home.
The last time Asante Kotoko won away from home was against Coton Sport ten months ago under CK Akonnor.
They will certainly have to work hard to improve their away form if they want to achieve their goals in the CAF Confederation Cup.
2. Kjetil Zachariassen must identify his best starting lineup
Asante Kotoko used different starting lineups in all of their four games in the CAF Champions League preliminary stage. Identifying the best starting lineup will be extremely important for their quest for glory in the Confederations Cup.
After four games in the CAF Champions League preliminary stage games, one would assume that Zachariassen should already know his strongest lineup ahead of their next shot in Africa.
3. Sogne Yacouba should be brought back into the team
The Burkinabe striker made the headlines when he was dropped from the Kotoko squad traveling to Tunisia to face Etoile du Sahel. Some fans still believe the outcome of the game might have been different if Sogne Yacouba featured in that game.
Sogne Yacouba was one of the important players for Asante Kotoko in last season’s CAF Confederation Cup, the striker contributed two goals and five assists in their last campaign.
Despite his fitness challenges, the Burkinabe is still an important player for Kotoko and should be played whenever he is fit.
If Asante Kotoko can successfully address the three areas stated above, they have a good shot of going far in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Porcupines will Know their opponents in the playoffs on Wednesday, October 9th.
