FC Samartex return to action on Sunday afternoon as they square up against Asante Kotoko in one of the notable fixtures of matchweek 11 in the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League. The much-anticipated clash kicks off at 3:00pm at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Samreboi, where the Timber Giants will look to respond immediately after their 2–0 defeat to Bechem United last weekend.
Christopher Ennin’s men have enjoyed a fairly balanced campaign to date as they have picked up four wins, four draws and two defeats from their opening 10 matches, leaving them solidly placed in mid-table as the season begins to take shape.
Asante Kotoko, on the other hand, remain the only unbeaten sides in the league. Abdul Karim Zito has guided the Porcupine Warriors to five wins and four draws from nine matches, with one game still in hand following a postponement earlier in the month. They travel to Samreboi with confidence but also with the awareness that Samartex have made their home ground one of the toughest venues in the league.
Match Preview
FC Samartex sit 7th on the league table with 16 points, and despite last weekend’s setback, they remain within touching distance of the top four. Their strength at home has been a key element of their campaign, with disciplined defending and quick wide play often dictating their tempo. A win here would see the Timber Giants leapfrog Kotoko and potentially move into the top five, depending on other results.
Asante Kotoko, meanwhile, sit 5th with 19 points from just nine matches, and Zito’s side continue to display remarkable efficiency at both ends of the pitch. Kotoko remain compact and highly productive in attack, with Morifing Donzo and Peter Amidu Acquah combining effectively in recent weeks. With one outstanding game still to be played, the Porcupine Warriors know that extending their unbeaten run would strengthen their early title credentials.
This meeting pits two in-form teams against each other, with Samartex eager to protect their proud home record and Kotoko determined to maintain their unbeaten start.
FC Samartex Possible Starting Lineup (3-4-2-1)
Musa Zakari (GK); Ebenezer Acquah (C), Kofi Agbesimah, Solomon Adjei; Emmanuel Essien, Emmanuel Mamah, Samuel Tetteh Mensah, Kwaku Owusu; Akwasi Sarpong, Godwin Safah; Osman Zakari
Asante Kotoko Possible Starting Lineup
Mohammed Camara (GK); Ndongani Samba Gilbani (C), Lord Amoah, Henry Ansu, Patrick Asiedu; Hubert Gyau, Seth Kwadwo, Lord Hilary Adabo; Saaka Dauda, Peter Amidu Acquah, Morifing Donzo
Team News
FC Samartex
Christopher Ennin is expected to stick closely to his usual setup despite last week’s defeat. Captain Ebenezer Acquah leads a defence that has generally performed well at home, while Emmanuel Essien is likely to continue dictating play from midfield. Emmanuel Mamah is set to spearhead the attack once again, supported by the creativity of Sarpong and Zakari behind him. There are no major injury concerns, giving Ennin a full complement of options.
Asante Kotoko
Asante Kotoko welcomed back several returning players in recent weeks and should field a strong XI on Sunday. Samba Gilbani continues to marshal the backline, while Hubert Gyau and Seth Kwadwo are set to operate in central midfield. Upfront, Zito is expected to favour the in-form trio of Donzo, Saaka Dauda and Peter Amidu Acquah. There are no fresh absentees reported, meaning Kotoko travel with a near-full squad.
We say: FC Samartex 1–1 Asante Kotoko
This fixture promises high intensity but could ultimately see the sides cancel each other out. Samartex may open the scoring through Emmanuel Mamah, who has shown sharpness at home, before Morifing Donzo levels matters for Kotoko with a composed finish in the second half. Both teams possess enough quality to win, but balance and discipline could result in a share of the spoils.
Where is the game being played?
The match takes place at Nsenkyire Sports Arena, the home of FC Samartex.
What time is kick-off?
Kickoff is at 15:00 on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
By: Pascal Amoah
