Champions Asante Kotoko will renew rivalry with old foes King Faisal in their outstanding betPawa Premier League game at the Baba Yara Sports stadium on Wednesday.
The Matchday 21 fixture which was originally scheduled for Sunday, March 12, will pit the city rivals against each other at a very familiar ground, Kumasi.
League champions Asante Kotoko who put four past Real Tamale United on Sunday are in contention for the League title despite being six points behind leaders Aduana FC.
The Porcupine Warriors ended a string of inconsistencies to beat Real Tamale United on Sunday courtesy goals from Augustine Agyapong, Steven Mukwala and Medeiros De Souza. Hitherto, the Reds were on an unconvincing run that included defeats to Accra Hearts of Oak and Medeama SC, a narrow win over Bechem United and a draw against Legon Cities in Accra.
Asante Kotoko have yet to lose a game since the dismissal of Seidu Zerbo as life after the former Burkina Faso trainer has been positive thus far following an away draw against Legon Cities and an impressive outing against Real Tamale United.
The League champions seem to have found their rhythm in the business end of the season following the return of winger Isaac Oppong and midfielder Serge Eric Zeze who have been on the sidelines for many weeks due to injury.
Danlad Ibrahim is likely to start ahead of Frederick Asare after returning from international duty with the Black Meteors in the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Coach Abdulai Gazale is also seeking to protect his unbeaten run in the League and the likes of Mohammed Alhassan, Augustine Agyapong, Richard Boadu, Steven Mukwala, Enock Morrison and Richmond Lamptey will be extremely important for the champions.
There is plenty to play for on Wednesday as both sides need the points to save their campaign.
Whiles Asante Kotoko are aiming to catch up with leaders Aduana FC, King Faisal are fighting tooth and nail to beat the drop as they currently sit in 13th place with 31 points – three points above the relegation zone.
King Faisal have been wishy-washy all season despite making three changes to their technical set up. Jimmy Cobblah who replaced Serbian trainer Bozovic Branko was fired after the 4-2 loss to Kotoku Royals on Friday, March 24 and has been replaced by former player Godwin Ablordey. The former Ghana midfielder has led them to two successive victories and aims to add Asante Kotoko to the list of casualties.
King Faisal are undefeated in their last two League matches following a come from behind win over Karela United and the 1-0 win against Accra Lions on Saturday.
Steven Mukwala, Richard Boadu and Nicolas Mensah got on target as Asante Kotoko coasted to a 3-0 win when the two sides clashed in the first round of the season at the Baba Yara Sports stadium.
The match which is scheduled for 7pm kick off will be broadcast live on StarTimes Adepa channel 247.
Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.
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