Asante Kotoko terminate contract of 8 players, including the team’s captain
Reigning Ghana FA Cup champions Asante Kotoko have officially parted ways with eight players following the conclusion of the 2024/25 football season.
This marks the beginning of a significant squad overhaul as the team prepares for its CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
One of the most notable departures is club captain Justice Blay, whose contract expired at the end of the season. Once a fan favorite and a key player in midfield, Blay’s exit comes amid reports of disciplinary issues, which reportedly influenced the decision not to offer him a contract extension.
Despite his leadership on the pitch, the Porcupine Warriors are moving in a different direction. Another player set to leave is Michael Kyei Dwamena, a former WAFA midfielder, who has completed his three-year stint with the Kumasi-based club.
Known for his tireless work rate and consistent performance in midfield, Dwamena is now a free agent and has attracted interest from several local clubs.
The club has also released Nigerian striker Fernando Wisdom Bassey, who joined Kotoko from Sporting Lagos in August 2024. Despite completing pre-season with the squad and making 16 league appearances, Bassey managed to score only once. His disappointing performance did not meet expectations, leading to his departure just a year after joining.
Additionally, Daniel Adrian Adjetey, Kwasi Asante, Samuel Tenadu, and Sampson Eduku have also been let go. All four joined during the second half of the season but struggled to make a significant impact, prompting the technical team to declare them surplus to requirements.
According to sources close to the club, these decisions are part of a broader restructuring plan aimed at building a more competitive team for the 2025/26 season, during which Kotoko will represent Ghana in the CAF Confederation Cup.
While several players are leaving, the club is currently engaged in contract renewal talks with key first-team members Frederick Asare, Andrews Ntim Manu, and Baba Yahaya.
These negotiations are ongoing and are expected to conclude before pre-season begins.
In the transfer market, the Porcupine Warriors are reportedly in advanced negotiations with Hubert Gyau, Zakaria Fuseini, Francis Acquah, and other prospects as they aim to strengthen key areas of the team.
Asante Kotoko recently lifted their 10th FA Cup title after a hard-fought victory over Golden Kick SC, which has earned them a spot in Africa’s second-tier club competition. With ambitions to make a strong showing in the CAF Confederation Cup, the club is committed to preparing for a new era characterized by a refreshed squad and vision.