Ashgold to worsen Kotoko’s plight

Defending champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, still smarting under their last First Capital Plus Premier League defeat to rivals Hearts of Oak, go in search of temporary respite when they travel to the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium today to face the league leaders Ashantigold in a mid-week cracker.

However, the Aboakese (as Ashgold are otherwise known), sit atop the league log on 15 points and will be full of confidence heading into the match at their home fortress where they are yet to lose this season.

The tie also pits two coaches who do not have the best of relationships with their clubs’ fans  and defeat for either side could worsen their already-strained relationship. 

Bashir Hayford's Ashgold which possess stalwarts such as Lawrence Lartey, Joseph Ato Bissah, Shafiu Mumuni and Emmanuel Osei have been in good form this season, winning five and losing just once in six outings, while the form of Didi Dramani's Kotoko have been erratic; winning, drawing and losing two games each.

The Porcupine Warriors are also without victory in their last three attempts at the Len Clay; drawing once and losing twice. In order to halt the trend they would need their key men such as skipper Jordan Opoku, Ahmed Toure and Abeiku Ainooson to be at their best.

Ashgold's only defeat this season, a 2-0 loss happened during an away tie against Medeama SC without Coach Hayford who still has personal scores to settle with his former club, Kotoko.

Historically, Kotoko have the edge heading into the game, having won seven, lost thrice and drew six times in the last 16 clashes between the two sides.

In the other interesting matches, Brong Ahafo United host Sekondi Hasaacas at the Sunyani Coronation Park, Inter-Allies welcome Aduana Stars to the Tema Park, Wa All Stars play Heart of Lions at the Wa Stadium and Hearts of Oak lock horns with New Edubiase United at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Elsewhere, West Africa Football Academy (WAFA) take on Liberty Professionals at the Sogakope Park, Berekum Chelsea engage Bechem United in a regional derby at Berekum and Medeama SC play Accra Great Olympics at Tarkwa.