Asante Kotoko trainer kjetil Zachariassen has played down the absence of Songne Yacouba and Abdul Fatawu Safiu ahead of their CAF Champions League game against Kano Pillars.

The duo played a massive role in Kotoko’s impressive run in last season's CAF Confederation Cup, but are set to miss the CAF Champions League game against Kano Pillars with less than ten days to the game.

Fatau Abdul Safiu is on the verge of joining Swedish side Helsinborg whilst Songne Yacouba is yet to join his teammates since the start of pre season.

When asked if the possible absence of the duo will affect his side, Zachariassen Answered,

“At the moment we are playing with the players we have here and we can not think about those who are not here, so we work very hard everyday to establish a good team.

“At the moment we have two good teams we can use in Nigeria, so with that aspect we are happy and if they come they will be a plus”

Asante Kotoko drew goalless with Societe Omnisports De L’ Arme in a friendly encounter at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.