Kotoko eye double over Liberty tomorrow

Victory tomorrow over Liberty Professionals could send First Capital Plus Premier League leaders, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, 15 points clear, provided city rivals King Faisal are able to upset second-placed Accra Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Stadium.

With 10 games to end the season, and Hearts missing a glorious chance to close the 12-point gap following a 1-2 loss to Medeama in an outstanding clash last Wednesday, Kotoko could turn the title race into a procession with a win at the Carl Reindorf Park at Dansoman where they have lost just once in their last seven visits.

The Scientific Soccer Lads’ quest to avoid relegation could, however, spur them on to an unlikely win over the defending champions. Liberty lie just outside the three relegation slots and lead bottom side, Ebusua Dwarfs by six points and could be drawn into a dog-fight in case of defeat.

In returnee Kennedy Ashia, Michael Appiah and Tamimu Montari, Coach George Lamptey has a potent midfield that could rise to the challenge of handing the Porcupine Warriors their fifth loss in this season’s campaign and possibly re-ignite the title race.

Kotoko coach Mas-Ud Didi Dramani would hope to see the league’s top scorer, Seidu Bancey, lead his charges by adding to his 10 goals to record an impressive double over Liberty after the first round clash in Kumasi ended 1-0 in their favour

In Kumasi, Mohammed Polo must overcome a mounting injury crisis as Hearts of Oak clash with stubborn King Faisal. The Phobians will be without influential trio — Obed Ansah, Augustine Abbey and Emmanuel Hayford — against Faisal whose coach, Alberto Malesani, goes in search for his third win since taking charge at the beginning of the second round.

Faisal earned a 1-1 draw in the first round in Accra and are no strangers to surprising the big teams as was evident in their fantastic 1-0 upset of Kotoko last week. 

This afternoon, Bechem United contend with Wa All Stars at the Bechem Park in the early week 21 game.

In other interesting clashes tomorrow, newly appointed Amidaus Professionals coach, Fred Kwame Sasu, faces his first test against Aduana Stars at the Tema Stadium; Medeama SC host Ebusua Dwarfs at the T&A Park, Berekum Chelsea clash with Hasaacas at the Golden City Park, Heart of Lions play Inter Allies at the Kpando Park, and Ashantigold go in search of their first win this year against regional rivals, New Edubiase United at the Len Clay Stadium at Obuasi.