Asante Kotoko will be looking to put behind them a poor run in the domestic league as they turn their sights on progressing to the next round of the African Champions League.

The Porcupine Warriors have a two-goal lead after a 3-1 win from the first leg against Ittihad Khemisset a fortnight ago in Sekondi, though the away goal scored by the Moroccans could prove costly.

But a blip in form has heightened concerns over their chances for the weekend’s second round return clash against the Moroccan side.

Kotoko coach Isaac Opeele Boateng has been under intense pressure following their mid-week home loss in the domestic campaign, a defeat that has seen them fall off the pace to fourth on the table, trailing the leaders by 11 points.

Despite the criticism, the Kotoko coach is not bothered about the possibility of losing his job as he remains committed to helping the club qualify past Khemisset.

With the domestic campaign on a break after the end of the first round, Kotoko will have to lift the gloom off their failing title defence to make up for lost ground.