Sports
Can Kotoko beat WAFA to maintain lead?
PORCUPINE Warriors Asante Kotoko must break the WAFA jinx in a bid to maintain their top spot when the two teams clash today in their Match Day 26 fixture of the Ghana Premier League (GPL) at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium.
The Asanteman representation have failed to find wins in their last four meeting with WAFA who won one with the last three ending in draws.
With pressure from the chasing pack including Hearts of Oak, Karela United and Medeama SC, Coach Mariano Barreto and his charges must unlock the unyielding defence of WAFA to secure the vital three points.
Luckily, the likes of Fabio Gama, Abdul Ganiyu, Michael Vinicius and skipper Emmanuel Gyamfi are in the form of their lives and would be in the thick of affairs for Kotoko.
Both teams have also won their last games and would go into the clash with hopes of maintaining their winning streak to consolidate their positions on the league table.
However, WAFA will be keen on preserving their recent dominance against Kotoko and a win would be immensely fancied.
Currently occupying the eighth position on the league log with 38 points, a win would push them close to the top spot and would go all out for a kill against the side they have been very comfortable against.
Elsewhere, Accra Great Olympics will slot it out with bottom-placed Inter Allies in another cracker at the Accra Sports Stadium this afternoon to usher in the weekend round of matches with the mass of the games scheduled for tomorrow.
With Olympics poised to securing top-four place and bounce back to winning ways after their 1-0 defeat in their last game – and Inter Allies beaming with confidence after thrashing Berekum Chelsea 5-0 in their last game, the stage is really set for a cracker.
It is going to be a difficult afternoon for Oly as the Allies are determined to throw everything into the game to give their relegation fight a big boost.
Struggling Legon Cities would host Aduana Stars tomorrow at the Accra Sports Stadium with the home side in search for a win to stay in the league.
Third-placed Karela United will travel to face Berekum Chelsea at the Golden City Park as they search for the maximum points against a side that seemed to have given up on their fight for the league title.
The Dawu Park will host Dreams FC and Bechem United in another mouthwatering encounter while Medeama and Ashantigold face off in a very dicey fixture expected to be keenly contested.
Ebusua Dwarfs and Liberty Professionals clash at the Cape Coast Stadium with Elmina Sharks and King Faisal battling it out at Nduom Sports Stadium.
CAPTION:
Andy Francis Kumi – Kotoko striker
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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