Tomorrow’s encounter, however, pits them against an Aduana side equally hungry to protect their place at the summit. Both clubs are chasing a statement victory that could shape the early title race.

Alex Boakye -- Aduana FC captain

Aduana dropped two valuable points in their own top-of-the-table showdown last weekend, drawing 1–1 with Medeama SC. But despite that setback, Coach Aristica Cioaba’s men continue to show balance and resilience.

They will, however, have to adjust quickly following the sudden departure of assistant coach W.O. Tandoh this week — a disruption that could unsettle the team’s rhythm at such a crucial stage.

For Kotoko, the attacking burden has gradually shifted since the exit of striker Albert Amoah, with Hubert Gyau emerging as a potent threat after bagging a brace against Karela United a fortnight ago. The Guinean forward Morifing Donzo, together with Peter Amidu Acquah and  Seth Kwadwo, have all found form at the right time, giving Zito a wealth of attacking options.

Aduana’s hopes will hinge on their own danger men — Stephen Badu, Alex Boakye, Maxwell Arthur, Amponsa Hensen, the lively Mezack Afriyie, Sedibe Daouda, and top scorer Emmanuel Marfo, who has already netted four goals this campaign.

The numbers favour Kotoko: this will be the 12th meeting between the two sides at the Baba Yara Stadium, where the hosts have dominated, winning six and losing just once.

For Aduana, the task is as psychological as it is tactical, breaking a hoodoo that has haunted them for years in Kumasi.

A slip-up could see Aduana lose their top spot to Medeama SC, who lurk just a point behind, ready to pounce. With so much at stake, the tactical duel between Zito’s disciplined structure and Cioaba’s compact, counter-attacking style could decide the afternoon.

Elsewhere on the League, struggling Basake Holy Stars will look to make home advantage count against Vision FC in a tricky contest at Ampain AAK II Sports Arena.

In Kpando, Heart of Lions are tipped to extend their formidable home run to five straight wins when they host Young Apostles, while former champions FC Samartex 1996 travel to the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park to take on a floundering Bechem United side sitting 16th with just one win all season.

At Golden City Park, Berekum Chelsea welcome Nations FC, who will be hoping new boss Frimpong Manso can inspire a revival. Over at Dun’s Park, reigning champions Bibiani Gold Stars are favourites to make it five consecutive home victories when they host Karela United.

In Techiman, Coach Josef Emmanuel Sarpong’s resurgent Eleven Wonders face another stern test against title-chasing Medeama SC at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.

And later today, all eyes turn to Swedru Stadium, where Hearts of Oak will attempt to bounce back from last weekend’s painful ‘Super Clash’ defeat as they square off with Swedru All Blacks, a side eager to make a statement of their own.