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Asante Kotoko’s interim coach, Prince Yaw Owusu, will be handed a baptism of fire this weekend when he leads the Porcupine Warriors into a fierce Super Clash against arch-rivals Hearts of Oak at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday.
Owusu assumes temporary charge of the Kumasi-based giants following the resignation of Head Coach Abdul Karim Zito earlier this week.
Zito stepped down after mounting pressure from sections of the club’s supporters, following Kotoko’s elimination from the MTN FA Cup at the Round of 16 stage by Aduana FC at the Baba Yara Stadium last weekend.
The defeat proved to be the final straw for the former Black Satellites trainer, who had endured growing criticism over the team’s inconsistent performances one year into his tenure.
His exit has left Owusu, assisted by Mohammed Hamza Obeng, with the daunting responsibility of steadying the ship in one of Ghana football’s most emotionally charged fixtures.
Sunday’s encounter promises high stakes beyond league positions. Hearts of Oak currently sit third on the Ghana Premier League table, with Kotoko in fifth place, but form and standings are often rendered meaningless in the Super Clash.
Bragging rights, pride and momentum heading into the final stretch of the season will be fiercely contested.
Kotoko will also be eager to complete a league double over their sworn rivals, having edged Hearts in the first-round meeting at the Accra Sports Stadium.
For Owusu, a positive result could quickly endear him to the Red Army and provide a much-needed morale boost after a turbulent week.
Elsewhere, the weekend’s Ghana Premier League action will start with a top-of-the-table showdown between league leaders Medeama SC and Aduana FC at the Tarkwa T&A Park in what promises to be another blockbuster encounter.
At other centres on Sunday, Bechem United will host Young Apostles at the Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park, while Bibiani Gold Stars will welcome Basake Holy Stars to the Bibiani Dun’s Park. Swedru All Blacks will take on FC Samartex at the Swedru Stadium, and Dreams FC will entertain Karela United at the Tuba Astro Turf Park.
Kpando Heart of Lions travel to the Golden City Park to face Berekum Chelsea, Hohoe United will lock horns with Nations FC at the Hohoe Sports Stadium, while Techiman Eleven Wonders clash with Vision FC at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
