In a fiery post-match interview following Aduana FC’s 1-0 defeat to Asante Kotoko, head coach Aristica Cioaba delivered a stark ultimatum to the club’s management, vowing to leave if their ambition for the next season does not center on challenging for the Ghana Premier League (GPL) title.
The loss in Kumasi, courtesy of Kwame Poku’s 26th-minute strike, saw Aduana’s struggles deepen, with the team now languishing in 11th place, 15 points adrift of league leaders Bibiani Gold Stars.
“I’ll not continue…” Cioaba declared, visibly frustrated, as he addressed the media. “If Aduana’s goal next season is not to fight for the GPL title, then I cannot stay. We need ambition, we need commitment, and we need to show we are serious about competing at the highest level.” He said in post match.
The match against Kotoko exposed Aduana’s ongoing issues, particularly their inability to convert scoring opportunities. Despite creating a handful of chances, the Fire Boys squandered critical moments, including a missed penalty that could have leveled the score. Kotoko, by contrast, capitalized on their early breakthrough, with Poku’s well-taken goal proving decisive in a tightly contested encounter at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Aduana’s current campaign has been marred by inconsistency, with the team struggling to replicate the form that saw them compete for top honors in previous seasons. The 15-point gap to the summit underscores the challenges Cioaba’s side faces, with defensive lapses and a lack of clinical finishing proving costly.
Home fans have grown vocal, expressing disappointment over the team’s mid-table position and their failure to mount a serious challenge this term.
Cioaba’s comments come at a critical juncture for Aduana, who face mounting pressure to reassess their strategy ahead of the next season. The Romanian tactician, known for his no-nonsense approach, has been credited with instilling discipline in the squad since his arrival but now appears at odds with the club’s direction.
AhotorSports checks suggest that Cioaba’s future may hinge on assurances from the board regarding recruitment, investment, and a clear mandate to pursue the GPL crown.
