Can Ashgold repeat Faisal’s feat?
A raging quest to avenge a first round humiliation at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium and a dire search for something to placate their fans after last Wednesday’s loss to King Faisal will be manifested on Sunday at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi Asante Kotoko’s mission to secure a big win over Ashantigold in their Capital Plus Premier League top liner.
For nearly three seasons now, Ashantigold have been the Achilles’ heel of visiting teams at the Obuasi Len Clay Stadium, with the biggest victims being Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak.
Kotoko’s 2-0 loss in the first round at Obuasi was quite sobering as it dismantled the invicibility they began building around their league title defence campaign a few months ago. It took a piece of their firepower and tenacity at their stronghold to make nonsense of Kotoko’s depth to largely proclaim how vulnerable the Porcupine Warriors could be.
Indeed, despite their unassailable lead on the league log which has already put them on the threshold of another league triumph, the Porcupine Warriors’ mission on Sunday will be to assure their fans that they are still on that path for a successful title defence.
And with Ashgold’s confidence appearing to have eluded them after two shocking defeats, one at home to unfancied Bechem United and the other to Berekum Chelsea, the grounds appear fertile for Kwabena Adusei, Abeiku Ainooson, Michael Akuffo and Seidu Bansey to run amok and exact revenge.
• At the Tema Stadium, Hearts have a difficult task to manage as they face rejuvenated Amidaus Professionals.
Since taking over from David Duncan, Coach Mohammed Polo has yet to conjure a piece of his playing magic of old into the tactical disposition of his side, despite securing a rare victory at the Agyeman Badu Park against Aduana Stars two weeks ago.
But Polo could become a hero if he manages to craft a winning side from Winful Cobbinah, Emmanuel Hayford, Eric Kumi and Nuru Sulley who seem to be playing without any inspiration after the exit of former Coach Duncan.
• In the rest of the games, Faisal play as guests of New Edubiase United at Bekwai, Hasaacas host Heart of Lions at the Sekondi Stadium in Essipon, with Inter Allies welcoming Liberty Professionals to the Carl Reindorf Park at Dansoman.