Ghana Premier League Matchday 7: Can FC Samartex strike gold against Kotoko in Obuasi?

Kumasi Asante Kotoko will be on a mission to reclaim the top spot in the Ghana Premier League today when they host reigning champions FC Samartex 1996 at the Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi. 

With an eye on the summit of the league, the Porcupine Warriors are determined to maintain their flawless home record against Samartex in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

After six intense weeks of football, briefly interrupted by international duties, tomorrow’s encounter offers both sides another chance to stamp their authority on the league. Kotoko, who lost their top spot due to a postponed fifth-week fixture to accommodate their trip to the USA, now have the opportunity to resume their impressive form and continue their charge for the title.

However, they will be without their Sudanese stars, Esmat AbdalHamid Mohamed and Obdoelkarim Yoouef Yagoub, who went AWOL in Washington and failed to return from the US tour.

Despite this setback, head coach Prosper Narteh Ogum has a squad rich in talent and depth, and he will be confident in finding capable replacements to keep their title ambitions alive.

FC Samartex, on the other hand, have had a mixed campaign so far but remain unbeaten. With their CAF Champions League commitments behind them, Coach Nurudeen Amadu’s men will be fully focused on defending their title. Their clash with Kotoko presents a significant challenge, especially against a rejuvenated side that is also undefeated this season.

A victory could see Kotoko leapfrog to the top of the table, should current leaders Bibiani GoldStars falter. While Kotoko have an impressive record against Samartex at home, they cannot afford complacency.

The Timber Giants have made remarkable strides in Ghanaian football over the last few seasons, and their growing stature makes them a formidable opponent.

Coach Ogum will have the boost of returning stars, including goalkeeper Frederick Asare from international duty with the Black Stars, as well as key players like Justice Blay, Douglas Owusu Ansah, and Michael Kyei Dwamena. Together, they will be looking to continue Kotoko’s momentum.

Meanwhile, FC Samartex will be eager to end their winless run away at Kotoko. With Obuasi serving as neutral territory, the defending champions will look to replicate the success of Young Apostles, who recently held Kotoko to a draw at the same venue.

Key players such as full-back Isaac Afful, goalkeeper Kofi Baah, and midfield dynamo Ebenezer Acquah will be central to Samartex’s efforts.

In other key matches tomorrow, Vision FC, currently sixth on the table, will defend their unbeaten home run against Bechem United at the Nii Adjei Kraku II Sports Complex. Nsoatreman FC are favourites to claim victory over promoted Basake Holy Stars at Nana Kronmansah Park, while Hearts of Oak’s goalkeeper Benjamin Asare will aim to extend his run of clean sheets as they face struggling Dreams FC at the Tuba Astroturf.

Elsewhere, bottom-placed Legon Cities face a tough test against unbeaten Berekum Chelsea at Golden City Park, while Karela United host Heart of Lions at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in another tightly-contested fixture.

Nations FC, boasting an unbeaten home record spanning 20 games, will be eyeing a third consecutive away win as they take on champions Medeama SC at Tarkwa’s T&A Stadium.

All eyes will also be on Aduana FC’s prolific striker Emmanuel Marfo, as the ‘Ogya’ travel to Dun's Park for a showdown with league leaders Bibiani GoldStars, who hold a perfect home record.

Later this  afternoon, Accra Lions will lock horns with Young Apostles at the University of Ghana Stadium, Legon, in a fixture set to kick off the weekend's action.