Asante Kotoko will aim to bounce back from their midweek setback when they host Basake Holy Stars at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday in a crucial Ghana Premier League encounter.
Match Preview
The Porcupine Warriors saw their title charge stall after dropping points against Young Apostles on Wednesday. However, returning to their fortress in Kumasi presents a golden opportunity to reignite their championship aspirations. Kotoko have been solid at home, winning their last five matches at the Baba Yara Stadium while keeping four clean sheets in the process.
Currently second in the league standings with 39 points, Kotoko boast the joint-most goals scored (24) while conceding 14. They remain one of the strongest home sides, ranking fourth in the home performance table.
On the other hand, Basake Holy Stars are struggling, having failed to win any of their last five matches (D3, L2). They have scored 21 goals this season but have been fragile defensively, conceding 23.
The newly promoted side sits 13th in the table with 24 points and has struggled on the road, managing just one win in 10 away fixtures (D2, L7).
This fixture marks the first time Basake Holy Stars will play Asante Kotoko in Kumasi since earning promotion to the top flight.
Team News
Kotoko’s head coach, Prosper Ogum, will be keen to field a strong lineup as they push for a crucial victory. The team will rely on the likes of Kwame Opoku and Saaka Dauda to lead the attack, while Samba O’neil and Patrick Asiedu will be key figures in defense.
For Basake Holy Stars, they will look to their captain Boadi and forward Yakubu for inspiration as they seek an upset. However, their poor away form makes this a challenging fixture.
Predicted Lineups
Asante Kotoko XI: Asare; Sefah, Asiedu, Ansu, Samba; Manu, Tenadu, K. Opoku; Baba, Saaka, Mintah.
Basake Holy Stars XI: Aboubakar (GK); Kwame, Asante, Author, Baffour; Boadi (C), Opoku, Oteng; Simba, Tweneboah, Yakubu.
Prediction
Kotoko’s dominance at home, coupled with Basake Holy Stars’ struggles on the road, makes this a favorable fixture for the Porcupine Warriors. Expect Kotoko to control possession and create multiple scoring opportunities.
Prediction: Asante Kotoko 2-0 Basake Holy Stars
