After a bruising exit from the CAF Confederation Cup, Asante Kotoko return to domestic duty this weekend, desperate to mend wounded pride when they welcome Karela United to the Baba Yara Stadium tomorrow.
The Porcupine Warriors’ continental disappointment has left their fans restless and Coach Abdul Karim Zito knows only a convincing home win will steady the ship.
But he faces a selection headache after losing talismanic striker Albert Amoah, who completed a lucrative move to Libyan side Al Ahly Benghazi earlier this week.
Amoah’s departure leaves a gaping hole in Kotoko’s attack. The 23-year-old had been their top scorer in the domestic competition with two goals in four matches and notched 12 league goals in his debut season last term.
His pace, physical presence and poacher’s instinct were the driving force of Kotoko’s frontline, qualities not easily replaced.
Nonetheless, Zito has enough firepower to fill the void. Veteran forward Kwame Opoku could spearhead the attack, supported by the likes of Joseph Ablorh, skipper Samber O’Neil, Samuel Tenedu and Elvis Baffour.
The return from injury of Baba Yahaya and Saaka Dauda also brings a timely lift ahead of what promises to be a tricky fixture.
Bless Ege -- Karela United's leading marksman
Currently ninth on the league log with eight points from four matches — having three games in hand due to their African commitments — a win tomorrow could propel Kotoko into the top half of the table and restore belief among their supporters.
But Karela United arrive in Kumasi in a buoyant mood. After narrowly escaping relegation last season, Coach Nurudeen Amadu’s side have made a bright start, sitting seventh with 12 points from seven matches and boasting a three-match unbeaten run.
Their newfound solidity has been built on discipline and self-belief, although their record against Kotoko remains poor — they lost both legs last season, including a 2–1 defeat at the Baba Yara.
Much will depend on the performance of winger Bless Ege, who has been their most potent threat this season, scoring all three of his goals from the penalty spot. Coach Amadu’s tactical approach will likely be cautious but opportunistic, hoping to exploit Kotoko’s occasional defensive lapses on the counter.
History, though, is on the home side. In their last three meetings, Kotoko have claimed two victories to one win by Karela. And with a wounded giant needing redemption, the Porcupine Warriors are expected to come out firing, eager to make the Baba Yara a fortress again and give their restless fans a performance to savour.
Elsewhere across the league, FC Samartex 1996, one of the few unbeaten sides this term, travel to the Tuba Astro Turf Park to face a struggling Dreams FC outfit languishing 16th with just one win.
Bottom club Basake Holy Stars host rejuvenated Hearts of Oak at the Ampain AAK II Sports Arena, while at Swedru, newcomers All Black entertain high-flying Heart of Lions.
Champions Bibiani Gold Stars aim to keep their title defence on track at home to Young Apostles and Vision FC head to the Golden City Park to face Berekum Chelsea in what promises to be a feisty midfield battle.
This afternoon, table-toppers Medeama SC travel to Hohoe United, hoping to extend their stay at the summit, while Techiman Eleven Wonders round off the matchweek on Monday against Aduana FC, still chasing their first win after seven frustrating matches and the resignation of coach Nii Odartey Lamptey.
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