Red-eyed Kotoko storm Essipong

The First Capital Plus Premier League reaches a crucial stage on Sunday with defending champions, Kumasi Asante Kotoko in a battle of their lives against their traditional bogey side, Sekondi Hasaacas in a tricky tie at the Essipon Stadium.

The Porcupine Warriors were rocked this week after they were ducked six points by the FA’s Disciplinary Committee for fielding an unqualified player in their 25th week fixture against arch-rival Accra Hearts of Oak.

The verdict saw Kotoko taking a free fall from the third to the 15th position on the league log, which makes Sunday’s game a must-win for David Duncan’s side to avoid relegation even though eighth-placed Hasaacas are not entirely out of the woods yet.

The first round meeting between the clubs ended in a 2-2 draw at the Baba Yara Stadium with Dauda Mohammed snatching an equaliser for Kotoko, after Amos Korankye and Emmanuel Ankobeah had given Hasaacas a 2-1 half-time lead.

However, Hasaacas will be no push-overs at Essipon where they are currently unbeaten with an impressive record of 10 wins and four draws from 14 games -- a feat which is bettered by only second-placed Aduana Stars in the league.

Kotoko will also be returning to the venue of their 2-1 MTN FA Cup final loss to Medeama and Coach Duncan will be looking to inspire his charges in a bid to avoid another disappointing loss.

Kotoko must also be wary of Hasaacas attacking trio of Kojo Poku (five goals), Samuel Afful and Frederick Quayson (four goals each) who have scored 13 goals among them and will be counting on defenders Ahmed Adams, Abeiku Ainooson and Amos Frimpong to shackle the home side’s frontline.

• At Kpando, 13th-placed Heart of Lions will engage 12th-placed Accra Great Olympics in another potentially fierce relegation battle as victory for either side will all but condemn the loser to relegation.

Seventh-placed Hearts, who were direct beneficiaries of three boardroom points, host third-placed Berekum Chelsea at the Accra Sports Stadium in another intriguing tie.

The Phobians’ relegation burden was made lighter after winning their protest against Kotoko, but they will be looking to consolidating their safe passage with a home victory against a side which has no relegation concerns.

• In other clashes, relegated Brong Ahafo United play sixth-placed Liberty Professionals at the Sunyani Coronation Park, fourth-placed Inter Allies clash with 14th-placed Bechem United at the Tema Park, 11th-placed Wa All Stars host 10th-placed Medeama SC at the Wa Stadium, second-placed Aduana Stars play eighth-placed New Edubiase United in Dormaa-Ahenkro.

• At the Len Clay Stadium, officials, players and supporters of AshantiGold will be in expectant mood when they play host to enterprising WAFA as the ‘Sccer Miners’ look to wrap up the league title with a home victory.