Danlad Ibrahim Returns to Kotoko With Fresh Ambitions
Danlad Ibrahim is back at Asante Kotoko with renewed ambitions after completing his return to the club following a two-year spell in Ethiopia.
The goalkeeper left the Porcupine Warriors in 2024 after his contract expired and joined Ethiopian Premier League side Ethiopian Coffee on a free transfer. During his time in Ethiopia, he made 55 appearances, conceded 38 goals and kept 28 clean sheets.
His return to Kotoko comes after training with the club throughout pre-season, with the move completed on transfer deadline day ahead of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League campaign.
For Danlad, the reunion is a return to familiar territory. He joined Kotoko during the 2016/17 season as a youngster and believes his bond with the club made a comeback inevitable.
“Very great feeling because always when you are at Asante Kotoko, you are at home. So I’m feeling so great,” Danlad said.
He also revealed that he always expected to return to the club at some point after leaving as a young player.
“I was having that kind of dream that definitely I’m going to be back and then continue the good works for this club,” he added.
Experience Has Shaped Danlad
The 23-year-old believes his spell abroad has significantly improved him, both as a goalkeeper and as an individual.
“Maturity because I went outside the country and the kind of experiences that I just got over there,” he explained, adding that the challenges and successes he experienced at Kotoko earlier in his career also contributed to his growth.
Danlad returns with considerable experience, having been part of Ghana’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He also helped Kotoko win the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League title before leaving the club in 2024.
Now back at the club, he knows past achievements will count for little if he cannot maintain his standards.
“How to maintain my performance and everything is up to me. It’s all about hard work,” he said.
With the new league season approaching, Danlad will compete for the goalkeeping position as Kotoko look to build a squad capable of challenging for honours. “Since I’m here, I’m ready for every challenge,” he added.