Asante Kotoko have completed the return of goalkeeper Ibrahim Danlad, with the 23-year-old rejoining the Kumasi club after spending the past two years in Ethiopia.
Danlad returns to the Porcupine Warriors from Ethiopian Coffee SC, where he made more than 55 appearances and recorded 28 clean sheets in all competitions.
The move represents a homecoming for the goalkeeper, who spent much of his development at Asante Kotoko and previously served as the club’s captain. He first joined the side as a teenager in 2016, beginning a progression through the club’s youth and senior ranks.
After several years of development, Danlad made his Ghana Premier League debut during the 2021/22 campaign. His first league appearance came in Asante Kotoko’s 2-0 away win over Aduana FC, a season in which the Kumasi club went on to win the Ghana Premier League title.
His return now gives Asante Kotoko an experienced option in goal as they prepare for the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season. Danlad’s time with Ethiopian Coffee SC has added competitive experience, with his more than 55 appearances and 28 clean sheets forming the main record of his spell abroad.
The goalkeeper said he always expected to return to Asante Kotoko, despite leaving the club while still at a relatively early stage of his career.
“I came here as a very young boy and even when I was leaving, I was still young. I had that kind of dream that definitely I was going to be back and continue the good work for this club,” he said.
Danlad’s return also reunites the club with a player who has already experienced both domestic success and international recognition. Following his breakthrough in Ghana, he was selected in Ghana’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
That selection came after Danlad had established himself as one of Ghana’s promising young goalkeepers. His development at Asante Kotoko, followed by his period playing in Ethiopia, has now brought him back to the club where his senior career began.
The signing strengthens Asante Kotoko’s goalkeeping options ahead of the new Ghana Premier League campaign and marks the latest chapter in Danlad’s long association with the Porcupine Warriors.
He joined the club as a teenager, made his league debut during a title-winning season, captained the side and later continued his career overseas. Two years after leaving Kumasi, Danlad is now back with Asante Kotoko.
