Asante Kotoko suffered from 'emotional depression' in the build-up to the 1-0 defeat to Al Hilal of the 2019 Confederation Cup.

This was revealed by the club Policy Analyst Yaw Amo Sarpong.

The Porcupine Warriors conceded a 40th-minute goal and could not recover from that setback.

"The team was emotionally depressed before the game because we were delayed one-hour at the hotel before the game and I think that affected the players,"Sarpong told Kumasi-based Ashh FM.

"We want everyone especially our supporters to forget about this defeat and prepare towards our home game against Zesco United because it's a must win game.

"We must have a back-up plan whenever we travel for games and I hope that will help the team.

"Operation Zesco United must fall in Kumasi is a good initiative and Kotoko team will make it a reality because this African campaign is for all Ghanaians."