Asante Kotoko return to the familiar surroundings of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Sunday under increasing pressure to halt a three-match winless streak when they welcome Basake Holy Stars in a crucial Ghana Premier League encounter.
Match Preview
Despite their recent struggles, the Porcupine Warriors remain firmly in the title conversation. Abdul Karim Zito’s men sit third on the table with 32 points from 19 matches, although their attacking output has dipped in recent weeks. Kotoko have failed to find the net in their last two league games, settling for draws against Bibiani Gold Stars and Berekum Chelsea, results that have raised questions about their sharpness in the final third.
Nonetheless, Kotoko’s overall campaign has been impressive. They boast the second-best attacking record in the league and a rock-solid defence that has conceded just 11 goals all season. Their home form could prove decisive once again—Kotoko are unbeaten at Baba Yara this season and have recorded three consecutive home clean sheets, underlining their dominance in Kumasi.
Basake Holy Stars make the trip to Kumasi encouraged by a confidence-boosting home victory over Bechem United last time out. The league newcomers currently sit 12th with 23 points and have shown resilience in patches, but consistency—particularly away from home—remains a major concern.
Holy Stars are yet to register an away win this season, managing only three goals on the road while conceding in each of their last three away fixtures. Their poor travelling record will be severely tested against a Kotoko side desperate to return to winning ways.
Head-to-Head
The reverse fixture two months ago saw Holy Stars claim a surprise 2-1 win, a result Kotoko will be eager to avenge. Recent meetings between the two sides have been evenly balanced, with one win each and a draw since October 2024, setting the stage for a closely contested encounter.
Team News
Kotoko are expected to stick with a familiar core, with goalkeeper Mohammed Camara continuing to anchor a defence that has been one of the league’s best this season. Zito may look for more creativity and urgency in midfield as he searches for a solution to his side’s recent goal drought.
Holy Stars are likely to maintain the structure that earned them victory last weekend, relying on quick transitions and disciplined defending as they attempt to frustrate the hosts.
Possible Starting Lineups
Asante Kotoko:
Mohammed Camara (GK); Henry Ansu, Ndongani Samba Gilbani (C), Lord Amoah; Hubert Gyau, Seth Kwadwo, Lord Hilary Adabo; Zackaria Fuseini, Philip Amoh, Morifing Donzo, Peter Amidu Acquah.
Basake Holy Stars:
Takyi (GK); Kwame, Asante, Author, Boazee; Gyetuah, Gabriel, Quaison; Hagan, Tweneboah, Somiah.
Kickoff
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Venue: Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi
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Kickoff: Sunday, 3pm
Prediction
With their formidable home record and defensive solidity, Asante Kotoko start as clear favourites. Holy Stars may pose problems on the counter, but Kotoko’s hunger to end their winless run should drive them over the line.
Prediction: Asante Kotoko 2-0 Basake Holy Stars
