Asante Kotoko will hope to overcome the bad spell of results that has followed them against Algerian outfits when they encounter Algerian giants ES Setif tomorrow in a CAF Confederations Cup crunch tie.

The game which is the first of two legs will determine the side that advances to the group stage of the competition whilst also affording the ‘Porcupine Warriors’ the opportunity to accost the Algerian nemesis that has been an Achilles heel’s in most of the continental ambitions.

In the last three decades, the porcupines have failed to advance ahead of Algerian opposition in five meetings; the recent heartbreak was in 2015 against MC Eulma who grabbed a 2-1 winner at the Baba Yara Stadium after Kotoko forced a goalless tie in Algeria.

Aside the struggles against Algerian sides, this game at the Accra Sports Stadium will also be an opportunity to save some pride against Northern African opponents.

Sudanese side, Al Hilal beat Kotoko at the venue last December by a lone goal and eventually ousted the Asanteman team to CAF’s lower competition.

Fortunately, the Porcupine proved last Sunday to have the knack of breaking records when they shattered league side, Karela’s enviable five year unbeaten run at CAM Park in Aiyinase with a 2-0 win.

When the likes of top marksman Kwame Opoku with seven goals, midfielders Emmanuel Gyamfi, Latif Anabila, Emmanuel Sarkodie and defenders Abdul Ganiu and  Imoro Ibrahim who were all integral in the scalp of Karela take the field tomorrow, they will be hoping to deliver a similar record-breaking feat against the Algerians. 

BY NANA BENTSI ODURO