The decision was made after Kotoko were eliminated from the MTN FA Cup round of 16 stage by Aduana FC via a penalty shootout.
In the immediate term, the Kumasi-based club have confirmed assistant coach Prince Yaw Owusu will take temporary charge of the technical team. He will be assisted by Mohammed Hamza Obeng as the club prepares for a crucial Super Clash against rivals Hearts of Oak this weekend.
The interim arrangement is expected to provide stability as the club evaluates long-term options for the head coach position, with pressure mounting to return Kotoko to winning ways.
Zito was appointed as the interim coach in April 2025 after a string of bad results, replacing Prosper Narteh Ogum. He went on to win the MTN FA Cup last season and was given the job on a permanent basis until 2027.
However, with Kotoko already eight points behind Ghana Premier League leaders Medeama and failing to win the MTN FA Cup this season led to intense pressure on Zito, who eventually resigned.
The former Ghana U20 coach won 17 of his 39 games in charge, losing 10 and drawing 10.
Speaking on the decision, Asante Kotoko’s Communications Director, Sarfo Duku, acknowledged the club were willing to allow Zito to finish the season.
“We had no plans to sack Zito. Our intention was for him to continue until the end of the season so we could properly assess his work. However, he was disappointed with the players’ performance and decided to resign.”
Zito, for his part, conceded that results ultimately defined his exit, while expressing optimism about the future of the club under new leadership.
“At this moment, the results are not coming and nobody is happy. But I am confident that success will come for any coach who takes over,” Zito stated.
Asante Kotoko host their bitter rivals Hearts of Oak on Sunday, February 15 in the Ghana Premier League, knowing that anything but victory will further dent their slim title hopes.
