Swedru All Blacks will be looking to steady the ship when they lock horns with in-form title challengers Asante Kotoko in a highly-anticipated Matchweek 17 clash of the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League at the Swedru Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The Black Magicians were held to a 1–1 home draw against Karela United last weekend and will now be keen to bounce back, having collected three wins, three draws and one defeat across their last seven league outings. Their season remains amalgamated, with five wins, four draws and seven defeats from 16 matches so far.
Asante Kotoko, meanwhile, continue to mount a strong push at the top end of the table. The Porcupine Warriors have produced an impressive run of form, registering eight wins, six draws and only two defeats over the same period, as they look to maintain energy in the title race.
Match Preview
With 19 points from 16 matches, Swedru All Blacks enter the weekend sitting 11th on the league log of the 18-club standings. Ahmed Fathi’s side have shown robustness at home this season and will aim to “neck it down” against Kotoko with an energetic, front-foot approach backed by their Agona Swedru crowd.
Midfield control remains central to their game plan, with Solomon Nereba and Arthur Shadrack expected to drive the speed, while captain Rudolf Mensah leads the attacking line in the hope of converting the limited chances they typically craft against dominant opponents.
Asante Kotoko arrive in Swedru occupying 2nd place with 30 points and flexing one of the most disciplined defensive bulwarks in the league. Kari Zito’s men have a mercilessly efficient system, with Morifing Donzo and Peter Amidu Acquah emerging as reliable outlets in the opponents goal area.
Kotoko will view this as another crucial hurdle in their pursuit of top spot, but with Swedru All Blacks proving difficult to break down at home, this match promises to be a tight and tactical muscle flexing.
Team News
Swedru All Blacks
The hosts are expected to retain much of the side that drew with Karela United, with no major injury concerns reported from the camp. Solomon Nereba remains a key figure in midfield after his recent influential displays, while winger Kweku Baffoe is pushing for a starting role to unleash fire on the wings.
Captain Rudolf Mensah again leads the forward line in the 4-3-3 structure, supported by Abdul Aziz Adam and Kweku Baffoe, as the Black Magicians aim to improve their efficiency in the box.
Asante Kotoko
Kotoko are expected to continue with their well-drilled 3-4-2-1 system, anchored by captain Ndongani Samba O'neil in the back three. Hubert Gyau and Seth Kwadwo are likely to feature in advanced midfield roles as they link play between defence and attack.
Striker Morifing Donzo, who has been a livewire up front, is set to spearhead the attack, with Peter Amidu Acquah offering additional threat in transition.
No fresh suspensions have been reported, giving Karim Zito a largely full squad to select from.
Possible Lineups
Swedru All Blacks
Clement Aryee (GK); Kwadwo Opoku Gyamfi, Oscar Mensah, Clement Tutu, Samuel Fosu; Solomon Nereba, Arthur Shadrack, John Andoh; Rudolf Mensah (C), Abdul Aziz Adam, Kweku Baffoe.
Asante Kotoko
Mohammed Camara (GK); Ndongani Samba Gilbani (C), Henry Ansu, Patrick Asiedu; Lord Amoah, Lord Hilary Adabo, Hubert Gyau, Seth Kwadwo; Philip Amoh, Peter Amidu Acquah; Morifing Donzo.
We say: Swedru All Blacks 1–2 Asante Kotoko
We foresee a hard-fought encounter, with Swedru All Blacks likely to start brightly and capitalise on home energy, potentially seeing Rudolf Mensah find the net from a well-worked attacking move.
However, Kotoko’s quality in key moments may prove crucial, with Morifing Donzo expected to level the scores before Philip Amoh strikes late on from a swift counter-attacking break to seal the points for the Porcupine Warriors.
Where is the game being played?
Swedru Sports Stadium, home of Swedru All Blacks.
What time is kick-off?
15:00 GMT, Sunday, January 4, 2025.
By: Pascal Amoah
