Premier League giant, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, face yet another tough task after their bright start to the season when they travel to Obuasi to engage Ashantigold in a regional derby at the Len Clay Stadium.
Kotoko have won two matches and drawn one in their opening three games and now aim to defeat Ashantigold away to keep their title hopes alive.
Coach Zdravko Logarusic’s side will sweat to beat the Miners at their home ground which on many occasions tended to be a difficult terrain for the Porcupine Warriors. But Kotoko need a win to put them on course in the league after bagging just four points in three games, and with the Miners’ impressive draw at the Tema Stadium against Tema Youth last Wednesday, today’s clash at Obuasi’s Len Clay Stadium will be uncompromising.
Kotoko will be boosted by the return of Baba Mahama, who missed their match against Bechem United through injury, while their fans will also look up to talented players such as Ashitey Ollenu, Abeiku Ainooson, Emmanuel Gyamfi, Yakubu Mohammed and Felix Annan, Kwame Boahene to raise their game if they are to take at least a point from the mining town.
Ashgold coach Bashir Hayford will hope to rely on more than just home advantage to stop Kotoko and will bank his hopes on prolific goal poachers Hans Kwofie, Shafiu Mumuni, Joshua Tijani and Awudu Nafiu to deliver victory against his former club.
Accra Hearts of Oak after failing to record a win in their first three league games, are under pressure to claim their first win of the season against Wa All Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium, but the task ahead for the Phobians will take a lot of determination and hard work. And for new coach Frank Nuttall it means playing a smart game against a side who have dominated Hearts in their recent meetings
Hearts suffered a 1-3 thrashing at the hands of the Wa lads in Accra last season and only managed to hold the defending champions to a draw at the Wa Park. But after collecting three points from their first three matches, Hearts are expected to put up a stronger fight knowing their opponents are channeling all their energies into the domestic competition after their early exit from the CAF Champions League competition.
League leaders Aduana Stars will travel to Sogakope to play WAFA in a tough match which the home side look favourites to halt Aduana’s winning run.
In other matches, Bechem United will engage Berekum Chelsea at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in an all-Brong Ahafo Region affair, Liberty Professionals host Medeama SC at the Carl Reindolf Park at Dansoman, while Accra Great Olympics travel to Tamale Utrecht Academy Park to face Bolga All Stars.
Inter Allies will welcome Ebusua Dwarfs to the El Wak Stadium with Tema Youth travelling to the Ndoum Stadium to face Elmina Sharks.
Source: www.dailyviewgh.com / Ghana
