The Porcupine Warriors will be looking forward to maintaining their superb form that saw seen them beating Accra Lions on the road on Monday. Expectations ahead of Aduana Stars’ trip to Kumasi on Friday are high.
There is an assumption that there will be goals, relentless attacking football on both sides and a disregard for defending. That appeared to be the case when the teams met at the same venue last season.
The Ogya family recorded a breathless 1-0 victory over their regional rivals last weekend that perhaps gives an indication of what we can expect on Friday night.
Below we take a look at the three key battles that will decide who comes out on top in this game.
Sam Adams v Nana Banyin Amoah/ Augustine Agyapong
When Adams is focused and confident, there isn’t much out there to stop him. His performances are there for all to see. Not only does he score, but he provides a constant outlet between the lines for the Ogya boys, refusing to stand still and always playing with his head up.
Possessing searing pace, sublime dribbling abilities and strength, he’s is a hugely proposition for any defender to handle in a 1v1 situation.
He can operate on both the left and right flank and would thus be a threat to Kotoko’s lateral defence with Agyapong on the right and Amoah on the left. Adams is a class act with the ball at his feet, and his showdown with Agyapong and Amoah on the wings will be a fascinating one.
Justice Blay v Richard Tetteh
The pace of the game in midfield is likely to be off the charts as Prosper Ogum Narteh and Yaw Acheampong look to establish a foothold in the game, meaning it could be down to Tetteh to disrupt the Kotoko conductor.
Blay is a terrific passer of the football and if allowed, he will dictate the game for the Kumasi lads.
Tetteh has been nothing short of sensational for Aduana since his arrival with his energy off the ball only matched by his quality in possession and the Aduana enforcer will surely be charged with shutting down the robust Blay in the engine room on Friday evening. If Blay is allowed time on the ball, it could be a long day for the Dormaa Ahenkro boys.
Nurudeen Mohammed v Isaac Mintah
Yussif Nurudeen Mohammed has been Kotoko’s best player thus far. Can he get the best of Mintah? But it is not just Mintah’s technique and physique that poses such a threat.
He is strong on the ball and Kotoko’s best option may be to force him out wide, where on occasion he can be marginalised. Nurudeen is currently Kotoko’s most effective centre-back when it comes to clearing their lines.
Aduana’s best chance of exploiting him is in pace with Emmauel Gyamfi, but in all other areas, including against the tricky Mintah, Nurudeen will expect to come out on top.
The no-nonsense defender has had a splendid start to his Kotoko career but this would be the perfect opportunity for him strengthen and solidify his position in the team and get his name back in the headlines.
This is shaping up like a real tussle and with the touch of needle involved, it should be a good watch.
