Asante Kotoko head coach C K Akonnor has blamed injuries for his side’s 1-1 draw against Al Hilal in Kumasi in the Match Day five of the CAF Confederation Cup.

A win would have sent Kotoko to the quarter finals of the CAF Confederation Cup, but the draw meant they have to overcome ZESCO United in Zambia on Sunday to reach the next stage of the competition.

According to the coach, injury to four of his key players forced him to adopt to different approach to the game against the Sudanese.

“Injuries really affected us. Senanu’s absence was felt.

“He was the very key link between the defense and attack.

“At the beginning he struggled. But we pushed him so well and he was able to fit in the team,” Akonnor told FootballMadeInGhana.com

“Baakoh was also necessary when have possession and when attacking and Gyamfi and then Ganiyu.

“Obviously the structures crumbled. We had to think deep and see who can fit in,” he added.

“Of course, our style of play changed. Sometimes it is very necessary you have a good bench.

“Umar Bashir really has fit in very well. He is very intelligent.

“And some have really struggled. We managed the situation and it’s difficult.”

Asante Kotoko will have to make do against ZESCO on Sunday without the injured Maxwell Baakoh, Abdul Ganiyu , Richard Senanu and the suspended Songne Yacouba.