Can Kotoko survive Ashgold scare?

Kumasi Asante Kotoko hope to appease their followers with a win over Ashantigold when the two regional rivals clash today in one of the three MTN FA Cup outstanding quarter-final matches at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

But considering how venomous the league leaders have become after thrashing B.A. United 4-1 in their Premier League match at Obuasi last Sunday, vis-a-vis Kotoko’s continuous struggle to find their rhythm, Coach Bashir Hayford and his boys will be in high spirits against Kotoko whom they scaled over by default last season.

Kotoko, therefore, better be on their guard as the “Aboakese” boys will storm Oseikrom firing from all angles.

Parading the likes of strikers Bernard Morrison, Yakubu Mohammed, Shafiu Mumuni and Asare Baffour, with Joseph Ato Bissah and Eric Opoku in midfield and Joshua Tijani, Lawrence Lartey and goalkeeper Robert Dabuo in defence, Ashantigold could make the Baba Yara Stadium a Waterloo for the homesters should Kotoko display the same unimpressive form against Liberty Professionals last Sunday.

A lot, therefore, will be expected of Coach David Duncan to reignite the confidence in his team and psych his boys to be focused in order to call the bluff of Ashantigold.

‘Western Show Boys,’ Sekondi Eleven Wise, after scaling the Okwawu United, Unity Stars and Samartex hurdles, face a stiff opposition from Premier League side Aduana Stars at the Agyeman Badu Park in Dormaa-Ahenkro, while Medeama SC welcome WAFA to their favourite T and A Park in a close contest.