Tinkler says ‘rotten element’ gone after Kotoko beat Lions 1-0

Eric Tinkler says Asante Kotoko have removed what he described as a “rotten element” from the club after their 1-0 friendly victory over Heart of Lions in Accra on Tuesday.

The Asante Kotoko head coach linked the change to improved discipline and togetherness within the squad. He said problems had affected the team both on and off the pitch when he arrived, but believed the club had now dealt with them.

Kotoko’s win came at the University of Ghana Stadium warm-up pitch and was their second victory in Accra during a nine-day preparation camp. They had earlier beaten Golden Warriors 2-0 in a match played across three 45-minute periods.

The results have come during a major rebuilding exercise following Kotoko’s eighth-place finish last season. Several first-team players have left through releases or mutual contract terminations, including Prince Badu, Kwame Poku, Elvis Kyei Baffour, Francis Acquah and goalkeeper Benjamin Twum.

Tinkler said the squad now appeared more united, with the players working towards the same objective. The coach’s assessment comes as he continues to reshape the team before the new campaign.

Kotoko are due to return to Kumasi after their Accra stay. Their next listed assignment is the Democracy Cup meeting with Hearts of Oak on August 28, giving Tinkler another opportunity to assess the revised squad before competitive football begins.