Asante Kotoko and Gold Stars will endeavor to hang on to victory from their last Premier League wins when they lock horns at Baba Yara Stadium on Friday evening.
The two teams meet for the first time since March when the Porcupine Warriors claimed a narrow 1-0 victory at the Baba Yara Stadium in the round 19 matchup courtesy of a 45+3’ minutes goal from Peter Amidu Acquah.
Match Preview
With seven wins, three draws and now four defeats on the board after 14 games, few can be surprised to see Kotoko occupying 4th spot with 24 points separating them from rivals Hearts of Oak in sixth.
The Porcupine Warriors will welcome a return to Baba Yara as they have won three and lost two of their last five home games in the top flight, scoring just 3 goals and conceding three in the process.
Kotoko have also won three, drawn two and lost one of their six Premier League meetings with Gold Stars, while they have scored in all six Premier League encounters against the Gye Nyame Boys.
Gold Stars have been one of the surprise packages in the Premier League this season, but they have recently suffered a dip in form, losing one, drawing one and winning two of their last four matches and conceding two goals in the process.
Despite the defeat, head coach Frmpong Manso believes that his team have positives to build on in the coming weeks, as they bid to climb from their current position of second in the Premier League table and edge themselves to the top spot during the festive period.
Kotoko possible starting lineup:
Camara (G), Ablorh, Amdu, L. Amoah, Baba, Blay (C), Saaka, Glban, Kote, Kye-Baffour, Ntim
Gold Stars possible starting lineup:
Kobi (GK), Adje, Amankwah, Atingah (C), Kumi, Kyereh, BosomtwI, Danky, Gyamfi, Nkoah, Oppong.
We say: Kotoko 2-2 Gold Stars
Both teams will be keen to hang on to winning ways following their last weekend wins, particularly Kotoko on home soil as they can ill-afford to fall further behind in the race for the top four.
Kotoko have the attackers at their disposal to cause Gold Stars problems on the counter-attack, but the Gye Nyame lads have impressed on away soil in recent weeks and should find a way to come out with a draw, potentially keeping a close shade in the process. Kickoff is at 6:00 pm.
By: Pascal Amoah
