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Kotoko to seek revenge against Ashgold
Preview: Jerome Otchere
Kumasi Asante Kotoko defeated regional rivals Ashantigold 2-1 in the recent SWAG Challenge Cup played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
However, for many Kotoko followers that triumph although significant, was no proper revenge for the 1-0 defeat the club suffered against the Miners at the deplorable Golden City Park at Berekum in the first round of the Onetouch Premier League.
Therefore as the Porcupine Warriors lock horns with the Obuasi based club this Sunday in the second leg league match at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, the expectation of many Kotoko supporters is to see the team put up an impressive performance to conquer Ashgold to serve as the appropriate vengeance for the loss in December 2007.
Though Kotoko goes into the game as favorites, they should however not be under any illusion as to the extent to which the Miners will stretch them. Ashgold are fourth on the league table with 40 points. With six matches to lower the curtains on the season, the Miners would at least yearn to maintain that respectable position.
The task for Kotoko on Sunday is huge but not insurmountable. Kotoko has demonstrated good character since the league started. Their recoveries from down moments or apparent defeat have been impressive.
On Sunday the team should avoid going down first. The loss to Real Tamale United should be a good reminder in that respect for they may not be lucky or able to crawl back to draw or win at all times. Hence there is the need for Kotoko to go all out right from the start.
It is not clear whether Coach Bashir Hayford will return to the bench having sought permission from management barely ten days ago to attend to his ailing wife. Yet whether or not the Big Bash will be on the bench, Kotoko must have a sound tactical approach. Comparing the performance of the team against King Faisal last Sunday to what was witnessed at Essipong on Wednesday, it is important to note that there was great improvement in all departments.
Goalkeeper Eric Nii Baah conceded two goals; however, his total performance was superb. His timing, anticipation and interventions were quick and purposeful. There is therefore every reason to believe that Eric Nii Baah will be at his usual best on Sunday.
The defence, which has giving supporters of the club some anxious moments in recent matches, was appreciably stable too. Samuel Inkoom, Osei Kwame Junior, George Asare and Prince Anokye acquitted themselves well. Mark Sekyere showed great promise playing in front of the back four.
If the rear would maintain its composure, play as a unit and avoid blunders, Kotoko supporters will have more to cheer about because the midfielders will definitely be up to the task with the presence of Daniel Nii Adjei, Francis Akwaffo and the possible return of Jordan Opoku who missed Wednesday’s match as a result of a thigh injury.
Stephen Oduro, whose performance has been rising, is also poised for action. The midfield gem has come from the bench to propel the team to victory in recent matches.
Whether or not Stephen Oduro starts from the bench, he is expected to be a thorn in the flesh of Ashgold’s defence. What is more, it is expected that Stephen Oduro will conjure some more magic to bring victory to Kotoko.
Kwadwo Poku’s confidence has also been soaring of late. On Sunday, Kwadwo Poku and possibly skipper Osei Kuffour in attack must eschew complacency.
The decent chances Kotoko squandered against Hasaacas were just unacceptable. If the team had utilised its chances, Hasaacas would have had little or no chance of recovery. The warning is that Ashgold would be much more different. They will be stronger than the Giants of the West. Kotoko must take its chances remembering that the race for the league title is still on.
A win for Kotoko is a must, but the Porcupines dare underestimate the Miners at their peril.
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