Sports
Asante Kotoko to travel to Sogakope for Legon Cities clash as Nations FC face Karela United at Abrankese
Former champions Asante Kotoko will face Legon Cities at WAFA Park in Sogakope saturday afternoon in search of only their second back to back wins in the season.
The Porcupine Warriors have won only once in their last five matches – coming on the back of one draw and three losses and sit in 13th place in the league table.
Legon Cities are not doing any better as they occupy the 16th position in the league log with 12 points having won one, drawn one and lost three games in their last five league outings.
Asante Kotoko go into the game looking to continue their outstanding performance against defending champions Medeama SC at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium where they needed a second half spot kick to win 1-0 to end their game winless run.
Legon Cities have played Asante Kotoko three times at home since 2020/21 with the porcupines winning two and drawing one – In the 2020/21 season, Asante Kotoko beat Legon Cities 1-0 and won 2-1 in the 2021/22 season before drawing 1-1 in the 2022/23 campaign.
Kalo Ouattara is Asante Kotoko’s top scorer with 2 goals in 10 games with defender Mohammed Sherif also on 2 goals for the Porcupine Warriors.
The likes of Richmond Lamptey, Steven Mukwala Desse, Yusif Nurudeen Mohammed, George Mfegue Omgba, Serge Eric Zeze and Henry Ansu are all fit and available for selection.
Head coach of Legon Cities Samuel Kwesi Fabin also has a strong squad with top scorer Frank Antwi (3 goals) ready to lead the lines on Saturday. Others include Nicholas Mensah, Nasiru Moro, Kwame Aziz, Kwabena Boateng, Frank Akoto and Samuel Tenedu.
The game will be broadcast live on StarTimes Adepa channel 247 at 3pm on Saturday.
At the Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex, Nations FC will face Karela United for the first time in the league. Karela United currently occupies the 15th position with 12 points having won one of their last five league matches. Shaibu Tanko’s side have drawn three and picked one defeat in the league but recovered to beat Aduana FC 2-1 for their first victory in eight games.
Nations FC are unbeaten at home following three wins and two draws in their debut season – scoring 10 and conceded 3 in the process. Nations FC have won three and lost two of their last five games and are currently 9th with 14 points. Midfielder Barimah Baah has scored 3 goals for the new boys and will be available for the game with the likes of Amidou Diarra, Asamoah Boateng Afriyie, Nafiu Sulemana, Emmanuel Boahene, Prince Acquah, Ishmael Antwi and Kwaku Duah all fit to start for Kasim Mingle’s side.
For the visitors, top scorer Evans Adomako WWireduwho has five goals to his name is available to start. They also have in their stable, Samuel Attah Kumi, Emmanuel Boakye Owusu, Abdul Latif, Fatawu Mohammed, Mohammed Asigre and Maxwell Arthur.
GFA COMMUNICATIONS
The management of Asante Kotoko Sporting Club has assured its supporters that steps are being taken to appoint a substantive head coach following the team’s recent poor performances.
In a statement issued by the club’s Communications Director, Sarfo Duku Esq., the board acknowledged concerns raised by fans over the absence of a permanent coach and the team’s current form.
He said the club understands the high expectations that come with representing Asante Kotoko and admitted that recent results have been disappointing.
“The Board is actively working to appoint a competent substantive head coach whose philosophy aligns with the long-term ambitions of the club,” he stated.
Mr. Duku explained that the club is taking its time to ensure the right candidate is selected, adding that management remains committed to restoring the team to its expected standards.
He apologised to supporters for the team’s recent performances and assured them that decisive steps are being taken to improve results.
In the meantime, he called on fans to remain loyal and continue supporting the team in the remaining matches of the season.
Asante Kotoko, one of Ghana’s most successful football clubs, has faced increasing pressure from supporters following a string of poor results in recent games.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Sports journalist, Dan Kwaku Yeboah has expressed mixed reactions to the decision by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to part ways with former Black Stars coach Otto Addo, describing it as correct but poorly timed.
Speaking on the development with ghanaiantimes.com.gh ‘s Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, he explained that although the decision to remove Otto Addo may be justified, the timing could affect the team’s preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
He noted that the newly appointed coach has only a few weeks to work with the team before the tournament begins, making it difficult to make any significant impact.
According to him, the team has just two friendly matches scheduled in May ahead of the competition, leaving a very short period between those games and the start of the World Cup.
He stressed that it would be unrealistic for any coach to fully understand the squad and implement effective strategies within such a limited time.
Dan Kwaku Yeboah urged Ghanaians to manage their expectations, warning that expecting outstanding performance under the circumstances could lead to disappointment.
He added that football can be unpredictable, and while the team could still perform well, fans should remain cautious in their hopes.
The astute sports journalist concluded that if the team performs beyond expectations, it would be a welcome outcome, but supporters should not put too much pressure on the new coach and players.
By: Jacob Aggrey
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