Danlad Ibrahim has expressed his delight at returning to Asante Kotoko, describing the reunion with the Porcupine Warriors as a homecoming after two years away from the club.

The goalkeeper completed his return on the Ghana transfer deadline day to Kotoko after leaving Ethiopian Coffee, having spent the past two seasons in the Ethiopian Premier League.

His return comes ahead of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season as the Kumasi-based club signed close to 10 players to strengthen its squad.

Speaking after rejoining the club, Danlad said his emotional connection with Kotoko remained strong despite his time abroad. “Very great feeling because always when you are at Asante Kotoko, you are at home. So I’m feeling so great,” he said.

Danlad first joined Kotoko during the 2016/17 season as a young goalkeeper and gradually developed within the club’s system before making his senior breakthrough in 2021.

He also spent time on loan at Berekum Chelsea and King Faisal before returning to Kotoko and establishing himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Reflecting on his return, the 24-year-old revealed that he always believed he would eventually find his way back to the Porcupine Warriors.

“Yes, because I came here as a very young boy and even when I was leaving, I was still young, so I was having that kind of dream that definitely I’m going to be back and then continue the good works for this club.”
Danlad Ibrahim

Experience Abroad Has Changed Danlad

Danlad believes the experience he gained during his spell outside Ghana has made him a more mature player and person.

The goalkeeper joined Ethiopian Coffee in August 2024 upon the expiration of his contract at the 25-time Ghana Premier League champions and made a strong impression during his two-year spell.

Danlad Ibrahim in action for Ethiopian Coffee SC

He featured in all 33 league matches during the 2024/25 campaign, conceding 16 goals and recording 21 clean sheets. He was also named Ethiopian Premier League Goalkeeper of the Month for April 2025.

Asked what had changed since the young goalkeeper who previously represented Kotoko, Danlad pointed to maturity as the biggest difference. “Maturity because I went outside the country and the kind of experiences that I just got over there,” he explained.

He added that his earlier experiences at Kotoko, including both difficult periods and good moments, had also contributed to his development. “So a blend of all these two, definitely there’s going to be a lot of changes personally and also in terms of playing,” he said.

Danlad’s development has also included significant international exposure. He was part of Ghana’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and has represented the country at various youth levels.

Danlad Ready for Competition and Expectations

His return also reunites him with the club where he played an important role in the 2021/22 Ghana Premier League title-winning campaign. Kotoko ended an eight-year wait for the league championship that season, with Danlad among the goalkeepers who contributed to the successful campaign.

The goalkeeper now faces the challenge of proving himself again rather than relying on his previous achievements. Danlad acknowledged that maintaining his standards will require continued work. “Being a champion is easy, but how to maintain it. So now how to maintain my performance and everything is up to me. It’s all about hard work,” he said.

Danlad had already been training with Kotoko during pre-season while negotiations over his return were being finalised.

The club has now confirmed that he has now signed a two-year contract with an option for a further year, bringing an end to his two-year spell in Ethiopia.

With the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season approaching, Danlad is expected to provide competition and experience in Kotoko’s goalkeeping department.

For the goalkeeper himself, however, the return represents more than another transfer. It is a return to the club where his professional journey began and where he believes he still has unfinished work.