Posted by President of the Ghana League Clubs Association (GHALCA) Kudjoe Fianoo has disclosed that Asante Kotoko have withdraw from the 2023 GHALCA Top four competition.
As fourth place finishers in last season’s betPawa Premier League season, Asante Kotoko were scheduled to face Medeama SC, Aduana Stars and Bechem United in the competition reserved for team’s to finish in the top four.
However, the club has officially written to GHALCA informing them of its decision not to participate in this year’s tournament, Kudjoe Fianoo has revealed.
“Yes, it is no more a rumour, we received an official letter from Kotoko yesterday which stated that they can’t participate in the tournament and as we are all aware of the current situation of Kotoko, it’s not a deliberate decision to sabotage the tournament but a genuine one and we have accepted their request,” he told Akoma FM.
The withdrawal is the second consecutive time Asante Kotoko have withdraw from the competition. Last season, the club cited sporting reasons for its withdrawal.
Kudjoe Fianoo however revealed that GHALCA is in conversation with Dreams FC and Bibiani GoldStars for one of them to replace Asante Kotoko.
“We have immediately reached out to Dreams to replace Kotoko, but they are yet to confirm their participation because of some competition they have lined up. Again we are in talks with Bibiani Gold Stars as a possible replacement in case Dreams fails to honor the invitation.”
The preseason tournament which serves as preparatory ground for participating teams heading into the new football season is scheduled to be played from August 6 to August 13 at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Great Olympics won the previous edition after beating Bechem United 2-0 in the final.