Kumasi Asante Kotoko need to claim maximum points when they play Algerian side, JS Kabylie on Saturday to keep alive their Confederations Cup hopes.

The Ghanaian league champions who have managed one win and a defeat in the two matches played so far just like the other group members know how crucial today’s match is to their dream of advancing in the competition.

Having struggled to get past El Merreikh in their previous game, Kotoko know an improved performance would be required if they are to get past the Algerians who are well aware of the Baba Yara Stadium.

Kotoko coach Bashir Hayford says his team have learned their lessons from that difficult game against the Sudanese. “We will make sure the importance we have attached to this match will yield great dividend,” he told the club’s official newspaper.

But against JS Kabylie, the Porcupine Warriors boosted by the availability of Godfred Yeboah and Harrison Afful are determined not to go through any frustrating moments this time round.

Yeboah, has been cleared by the Confederation of African Football to return to action after his eligibility was challenged by Libya’s Al-Ittihad forcing CAF to freeze his participation.

Harrison Afful is back and available for selection after he failed to clinch a deal with Feyernood Rotterdam where went for trials.

Kotoko are hopeful of a positive result and a not a repeat of their opening group game when Sudanese side El-Merreikh stretched until a late goal by Eric Bekoe handed them a win.