Asante Kotoko will clash with regional rivals and landloards AshantiGold on match day 28 of the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.
The Porcupine Warriors host the original owners of the stadium in the Ashantiderby – having moved their home ground from Accra to Obuasi for the second round of the campaign. Asante Kotoko who sits in second place are two points adrift leaders Hearts of Oak but 13 points ahead of the Miners – who are 10th in the table.
On player updates, Asante Kotoko will be buoyed by the return of duo Ismail Ganiyu and Razak Abalora from national duty. The two players have been impressive for the Porcupine Warriors this season – but left back Moro Ibrahim will miss the tie - having travelled to Tokyo with the Black Meteors for International friendly matches against Japan and South Korea.
Asante Kotoko have been incredible since April – they have won four, drawn one and lost one in Obuasi since they made the switch.
Coach Mariano Baretto’s men fought hard to pick a point against Aduana FC at Dormaa last week – a place they have scored just once in 11 attempts since 2010.
AshantiGold have been less impressive in the League especially in the second round.
The Miners have managed three wins, one draw and one defeat at the Len Clay stadium with the recent setback being a 1-0 loss to Legon Cities on match day 27. Stand in Coach Thomas Duah is finding things difficult at the club as their struggle continues and the players have to dig deep against Asante Kotoko to change a worrying trend in away matches – having registered three defeats and two draws in their last five away matches.
Yaw Annor, Kwadwo Amoako, Abdul Bashiru, Roland Amouzou, Amos Addai and David Abagna seem to have imploded in the back end of the season after an explosive start in the first round.
As unpredictable as the tie looks - Asante Kotoko will start as favourites due to their current form and the desire to keep the pressure on leaders Accra Hearts of Oak for the League title.
The match is scheduled for 3pm kick off at the Obuasi Len clay Stadium and will be live on StarTimes Adepa channel 247.
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