Kotoko’s Shayibu Abubakar to miss Wydad clash
By Victor Kwawu
Asante Kotoko defender Shayibu Abubakar will miss the Porcupine Warriors’ CAF Confederation Cup campaign against Wydad on Sunday, October 19, 2025, after suffering a knee injury during Wednesday’s training session.
Kotoko will face Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca in the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup, having eliminated Nigeria’s Kwara United 5-3 on aggregate.
Abubakar collided awkwardly with teammate Morifing Donzo in a routine challenge, resulting in his injury.
The 20-year-old immediately went down in pain, prompting the club’s medical team to rush to his aid. He received initial treatment on the field before being transferred to Accra for further examination.
Subsequent MRI scans revealed that Abubakar had suffered a tear to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), as well as damage to his lateral collateral ligaments, a combination that could keep him sidelined for several months.
The setback is particularly heartbreaking for the talented right-back, who had only recently returned to full fitness after recovering from a hamstring injury earlier in the season. Abubakar has been one of Kotoko’s most promising young players since joining ahead of the 2025-26 season, earning praise for his composure, athleticism, and tactical awareness.
He is expected to return to Kumasi to consult a specialist and determine the next steps in his rehabilitation.
This latest development will undoubtedly be a huge blow to Kotoko’s technical team, who were relying on Abubakar to play a key role in the club’s defensive setup this season. With Abubakar likely unavailable for the test against Morocco’s Casablanca-based club, Kotoko is expected to find a suitable replacement.
Wydad Athletic Club are three-time winners of the CAF Champions League and participated in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup earlier this year. Kotoko, meanwhile, have twice lifted the Champions League crown but, like their upcoming opponents, are yet to win the Confederation Cup.
