GhanaFA

Kotoko faced with Etoile challenge

15 years ago
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Asante Kotoko need a win against Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia to enhance their chances of reaching the finals in the Confederation Cup.

The Porcupine Warriors host the Tunisians, last year's Champions League winners at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Saturday.

And Kotoko, with six points are bottom of the group on goal difference and need to win to stay in contention of reaching the finals from a closely contested group.

Every match has been won by the home team so far in the group, as all sides are tied on six points each.

Etoile claimed all the spoils in the reverse fixture when they handed Kotoko a 2-0 defeat in Sousse.

A revenge looks likely but it would certainly not come easy as Asante Kotoko go into today’s clash with a weakened front following the unavailability of two key players, midfielder Jordan Opoku and attacker Kojo Poku through suspension.

But Kotoko coach, Bashir Hayford, boosted by the return of Osei Kwame, who was shown the red card in the first leg clash last August, believes his side can claim the three points at their favourite Baba Yara Stadium.

“Etoile is a strong side but we can beat them. They beat us 2-0 in Sousse and we can do same in Kumasi come Saturday," said Hayford.

The other group game would see Algeria's JS Kabylie host El Merreikh of Sudan on Sunday.

The top placed clubs in each group after the round-robin will engage each other in a two-legged final.