Kotoko Bids Farewell to Star Striker Amoah: Permanent Move to Libyan Giants Al Ahly Benghazi Follows Heartbreaking Confed Cup Exit
Asante Kotoko SC has confirmed the permanent transfer of their prolific forward Albert Amoah to Libyan powerhouse Al Ahly Benghazi, announcing the deal just two hours after a crushing 5-1 defeat to Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club (WAC) that eliminated the Porcupine Warriors from the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup on a 6-1 aggregate scoreline.
The 23-year-old ex-Great Olympics marksman, who netted four goals in five outings this season—including a brace against Nigeria’s Kwara United in the preliminary round—leaves as Kotoko’s top scorer, capping a standout debut campaign with 16 goals in 30 league appearances last term.
In an official club statement released late Friday, Kotoko expressed gratitude: “We can confirm the permanent transfer of forward Albert Amoah to Libyan side Al Ahly Benghazi. Asante Kotoko is grateful to Albert for his services to the club and his achievements with us. We wish him the very best for the future.”
Amoah’s departure, amid reported interest from North African and Middle Eastern suitors, marks a pivotal shift for Kotoko under coach Karim Zito, who now turns to Guinean import Donzo Morifing as the spearhead—despite the 22-year-old’s goalless run in seven matches across all competitions.
The timing couldn’t be more poignant: Kotoko’s 1-0 first-leg home loss at the Baba Yara Stadium set a daunting tone, and Wydad’s ruthless second-leg demolition at the Mohammed V Stadium—fueled by a hat-trick from Ayoub El Amloud—exposed defensive frailties and ended the club’s continental hopes prematurely.
Zito, defiant post-match, quipped, “It is not over until it is over,” but Amoah’s exit signals a rebuild for the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League title chase, where Kotoko sit third with 12 points from six games, unbeaten but trailing Hearts of Oak and Samartex.
Amoah, who joined Kotoko from Great Olympics in 2024 on a three-year deal, blossomed into a fan favorite with his pace, composure, and clinical finishing—12 goals in 28 GPL outings last season and two in CAF prelims this year.70117d58e4f0 His move to Al Ahly, 23-time Libyan champions and CAF Confederation Cup regulars, offers continental exposure and a reported five-year contract worth GH¢150,000 annually— a career leap for the Brong-Ahafo native.
With the GPL heating up and CAF dreams deferred, Zito eyes reinforcements, while Amoah’s departure underscores Kotoko’s youth export trend—four players shipped out since 2024.
As the Porcupines lick wounds, the focus shifts to domestic glory and scouting a successor to fill the void left by their golden boy.
