Kumasi’s Asante Kotoko have moved swiftly to steady the ship, appointing Prince Yaw Owusu as interim head coach following the shock resignation of Abdul Karim Zito.

The Ghana Premier League heavyweights confirmed the technical shake-up on Monday night, just hours after Zito’s immediate departure was made official.

Mr. Owusu will be supported by Mohammed Hamza Obeng as his assistant, with the pair tasked to lead the Porcupine Warriors until a permanent successor is found.

The announcement marks a turbulent 24 hours for the record league champions. In a brief statement, the club confirmed they had accepted Abdul Karim Zito’s resignation, bringing a sudden end to his tenure at the Baba Yara Stadium.

"Management has accepted the resignation, expressed its appreciation to the coach for his services and wished him the best for the future," the club stated via their official X (formerly Twitter) account.

While the reasons behind Zito’s exit remain undisclosed, the club’s hierarchy wasted no time in installing the Owusu-Obeng partnership to prevent a vacuum in leadership.

The new interim duo faces what is arguably the most daunting baptism of fire in African football.

Their first assignment is to prepare the squad for next weekend’s Super Clash against arch-rivals Hearts of Oak.

With the eyes of the nation on Kumasi, Owusu must quickly galvanise a squad caught in the middle of a mid-season transition.

The result of the clash against the Phobians often defines a coach's reputation in Ghana; for Owusu, it represents an immediate opportunity to stake his claim for the permanent role.

Asante Kotoko supporters will be looking for an immediate reaction on the pitch. While the board continues its search for a substantive head coach, the focus now shifts entirely to the training ground.

Owusu’s tactical flexibility and ability to manage the high-pressure environment of the Ghana Premier League will be tested to the limit as the club looks to maintain its title charge amidst the off-field drama.