Faisal to worry Kotoko in Mid-week First Capital Plus Premier League

Another mid-week of uncertainties confront clubs battling against relegation in the ongoing First Capital Plus Premier League, particularly with Kumasi Asante Kotoko taking an unassailable 12-point lead and almost destined for a third successive triumph.

Kotoko have always found city rivals King Faisal a hard nut to crack and this afternoon’s Kumasi derby between the two sides promises to be another exciting clash as Alhaji Gruzah’s charges attempt an upset a feat no other club has achieved at the Baba Yara Stadium where Kotoko are undefeated in nine matches this season.

While the Porcupine Warriors have looked awesome in the league compared with Faisal’s unimpressive run, history suggests today’s clash is not a forgone conclusion. 

In the last seven league clashes between them, Faisal have won three times against twice by the defending champions with two matches ending in draws.

After losing heavily at Berekum against Chelsea, Randy Abbey’s Heart of Lions will seek to redeem their image in front of their home fans and also improve their standing on the log. 

However, despite enjoying a good run at the Kpando Park, Lions face an uneasy prey in visiting Bechem United who won the first round encounter 3-2 at Bechem and have won their last three matches.

 A similar scenario is anticipated when Liberty Professionals return to their favourite Carl Reindorf Park at Dansoman for the first time this season to take on Sekondi Hasaacas in what promises to be an uncompromising encounter. 

The Scientific Soccer lads are languishing in the throes of the relegation dogfight and will seek to use their homecoming match to begin a move up into safer waters against a Hasaacas side who are in a comfortable sixth position but have lost their last three visits to Dansoman.

In the other fixtures, fifth-placed Ashantigold welcome bottom-of-the-table Inter Allies to the Len Clay Stadium at Obuasi, with Amidaus Professionals playing host to New Edubiase United at the Tema Stadium.

The clashes between Cape Coast Ebusua Dwarfs and Aduana Stars, and Medeama versus Accra Hearts of Oak  have been rescheduled to March 12 to enable Dwarfs and Medeama to concentrate on their continental pursuits this weekend.