Interim head coach Asante Kotoko boss Prince Yaw Owusu remains upbeat about his ability to steer the club forward, despite suffering defeat in his first game in charge.

Yaw Owusu took over the reins following the exit of Karim Zito and was immediately thrown into a high-stakes clash against fierce rivals Hearts of Oak on Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Kotoko fell short in the encounter after a first-half header from Baba Adamu handed the Phobians a narrow 1-0 win.

Addressing the media after the match, Yaw Owusu conceded the result complicates the Porcupine Warriors’ title push.

“Losing to Hearts of Oak makes it difficult for us to win the league," he admitted.

However, when questioned about whether he is the right man to guide the side through the remainder of the campaign, the interim coach responded with conviction: “Yes, there’s no two ways about it."

Kotoko, now winless in their last three outings, will aim to return to winning ways when they travel to face Young Apostles FC at the Wenchi Sports Stadium in their Matchday 23 fixture this weekend.