Asante Kotoko coach Prosper Narteh Ogum has admitted the toll of consecutive long trips on his squad but insists his players must be mentally tough if they want to win the Ghana Premier League.
Kotoko were held to a goalless draw by Young Apostles in Wenchi, marking a second straight league match without a win. That result followed a gruelling 14-hour round trip to Samreboi to face defending champions Samartex 1996.
Speaking after the match, Ogum admitted the strain but urged his players to overcome it.
"I told them that if you want to be a title contender, you must deal with these challenges mentally. We travelled seven hours to Samreboi and another seven back, then had to travel four hours here. It’s tiring, but I have reminded them that rest alone is not enough; they need to handle it psychologically," he said.
Despite the demanding schedule, Ogum was pleased to have secured points in both matches.
"The most important thing is that we didn’t lose. We got a point, and now we have to refocus and move forward," he added.
Kotoko will now benefit from a more favourable schedule, playing three consecutive home games at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium—Berekum Chelsea on March 23, True Democracy in the FA Cup on March 29, and Holy Stars on April 4.
The Porcupine Warriors remain in second place with 39 points, just one behind league leaders Bibiani Gold Stars.