Kotoko poised to beat Chelsea

The newly-appointed coach of Berekum Chelsea, Anthony Lokko, faces a strong test as his side comes up against Kumasi Asante Kotoko this afternoon at the Baba Yara Stadium in match day seven of the ongoing Ghana Football Association (GFA) Normalisation Committee (NC) Special Cup competition.

Coach Lokko, who has reunited with the club after a long absence, has been given the responsibility to change the fortunes of the Berekum-based club who currently lie sixth in the Northern Zone of the competition with three points. Today’s game will, therefore, be his first major test to pass.

However, Kotoko, who are at the summit of the log with 10 points, will fight hard to snatch a vital away victory against the Berekum lads to open the gap between them and second-placed Medeama, who have nine points.

The vice captain of Kotoko, Felix Annan, told the Daily Graphic in an interview that the playing body was poised for the game today.

“It is clear that the coaching staff and the playing body are ready for the game today. We have prepared well for our opponents.”

“Interestingly, we did not play over the weekend so we have rested enough. Our focus is to win the competition, so we are working hard to make it possible,” a confident Annan stated.

Chelsea, whose only victory in the competition came last Sunday against Ashantigold, are bent on displaying another spirited performance to defeat Kotoko.

Chelsea’s last appearance at the Baba Yara Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw, giving them confidence that a respectable result is possible.

Coach Lokko would have the likes of Gideon Ahinkorah, Moro Yusif, Kevin Mensah, Kwame Antwi Amoako,Alhassan Mohammed, Seth Appiah Larbi and others at his disposal to compete against Coach Charles Kwablah Akonnor’s side, consisting of in-form striker, Abdul Fatawu Safiu, Amos Frimpong, Kwame Bonsu, Felix Annan, Abdul Ganiyu, Kwame Boahene and the rest of the team.

In the other Northern Zone matches, Aduana Stars will welcome Medeama SC at the Nana Agyemang Badu Park at Dormaa-Ahenkro, Bechem United will travel to the Nkoranza Park to meet Techiman Eleven Wonders.

In the Southern Sector, leaders, WAFA, will travel to play bottom-placed Ebusua Dwarfs at the Cape Coast Stadium; Accra Hearts of Oak host Tema-based Inter Allies at the Accra Sports Stadium, Dreams FC welcome Elmina Sharks to the Dawu Park and Liberty Professionals take on Karela United at the Aiyinase CAM Park.