ASANTE Kotoko will be seeking redemption on home soil tomorrow when they host Dreams FC at the Baba Yara Stadium, despite being hit by a string of injuries that have disrupted Coach Abdul Karim Zito’s plans.
The Porcupine Warriors have endured an inconsistent campaign, producing mixed results that have often left their supporters frustrated — even at their once-formidable home ground.
Kotoko have managed just three wins in six matches at the Baba Yara Stadium this season, drawing the remaining three, a sign that visiting teams now approach Kumasi with growing confidence.
Their opponents, Dreams FC, have also had a difficult start to the season but are gradually turning the corner.
After spending weeks flirting with relegation, they have clawed their way out of the drop zone and will be eager to continue their recovery when they travel to Kumasi.
Though Dreams FC have been one of the league’s poorest travellers — securing only one draw and suffering five defeats on the road — they view tomorrow’s encounter as an opportunity to improve their away record.
Kotoko head into the match bruised by a narrow 1-0 loss to Hohoe United last Sunday, a result that dented their title hopes. Tomorrow’s fixture, therefore, represents a chance to regain momentum and restore the confidence of their supporters.
Coach Zito, a former Dreams FC trainer, is expected to draw on his knowledge of the visitors to guide his team to victory.
Historically, Kotoko have dominated this fixture, winning eight of the 14 meetings between the sides since 2016. Dreams FC have won just three, with only one of those victories coming at the Baba Yara Stadium. Kotoko have scored 16 goals and conceded eight in those encounters.
Dreams FC, who have no illusions about competing for the league title this season, are more focused on securing enough points to remain comfortably above the relegation fight.
They will, however, be without one of their key players, Seidu Suraj, who is on national duty with the Black Galaxies ahead of their international friendly against South Africa.
Coach Winfred Dormon is expected to rely on the core of his improving squad, including Ebenezer Adade, Razak Salifu, Osman Rahman, Kofi Kumah, Mohammed Shaban and Aminu Adams.
Kotoko, in turn, will look to key performers such as Peter Amadu, Walid Fuseini, Hubert Gyau, Seth Kwadwo, Joseph Amoah and Lord Amoah to deliver the much-needed win.
With both teams in search of crucial points — Kotoko for their title chase and Dreams FC for survival — tomorrow’s matchup promises to be a fiercely contested battle at the Baba Yara Stadium.
Another game expected to draw significant attention this weekend is the clash between Hearts of Oak and Nations FC at the University of Ghana Stadium later today.
The Phobians are level on points with arch-rivals Asante Kotoko but trail them on goal difference. Following last Sunday’s defeat to Karela United, Hearts are eager to bounce back with a win that would offer much-needed relief to their anxious supporters.
Coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani has been widely praised for transforming the team’s overall structure and playing philosophy since taking charge.
However, their persistent struggles in front of goal remain a major concern. Despite improved build-up play and organisation, the inability to convert chances has repeatedly cost them valuable points.
Dramani will be hoping today’s fixture provides the perfect platform for his attackers to rediscover their scoring touch and strengthen the team’s bid to climb further up the league table.
Nations FC, meanwhile, will arrive in Accra determined to test Hearts’ resolve, setting the stage for a compelling encounter.
Elsewhere tomorrow, Bechem United will welcome Eleven Wonders to the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, Vision FC will travel to the Swedru Park to engage Swedru All Black, while Basake Holy Stars welcome FC Samartex 1996 to the AAK II Ampain Sports Arena.
At the Golden City Park, Berekum Chelsea will hope to revive their poor campaign this season when they welcome Hohoe United, while Young Apostle will host Karela United at the Wenchi Sports Stadium.
