Asante Kotoko coach Abdul Karim Zito says he will use the GHALCA top 4 competition to prepare his team for the upcoming 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

The Porcupine Warriors will battle it out with sworn-rivals Hearts of Oak, Premier League champions Bibiani Goldstars and Heart of Lions in the top 4 competition, which kick start on August 20 in Accra.

Having discovered their opponent in the Confederation Cup, Zito, who led Dreams FC to the semifinals two seasons ago, says he will use the GHALCA tournament as part of preparations for the Africa.

“The GHALCA top 4 will help both Asante Kotoko and Bibiani Goldstars as we prepare for Africa. In Ghana, it’s always difficult to get high profile games during off season. You don’t see Kotoko playing Hearts in friendlies. I’m taking the tournament as part of preparation for Africa” he told the club’s media.

The Porcupine Warriors returns to Africa for the first time since 2022 following their success in the Ghana FA Cup competition last season.

Kotoko will play host to Kwara United in the first leg between September 19 and 21 before traveling for the return fixture in Nigeria from September 26 to 28.

The Ghanaian giants are aiming to make a meaningful impact as they mark their return to the continental stage.

The Porcupine Warriors will face Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Casablanca in the second preliminary round if they are able to triumph over Kwara United.