Amos Frimpong – Kotoko
Asante Kotoko are expected to improve their defensive and scoring forms today when they engage Zesco United in match day two of the league stage of the CAF Confederation Cup today at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
A defeat in the hands of Al Hilal of Sudan on match day one meant that Kotoko must win today’s encounter to breathe some life into their campaign.
It is also the first game at home for the Reds at this stage of the competition and have no choice but put their all in this clash to earn the confidence of their fans.
The absence of a competition in Ghana has in a way undermined Kotoko’s efforts at building a very formidable and competitive side for the competition.
However, in their own way, they have kept the current squad very active with several friendly engagements to become the most competitive side in the country at the moment.
With the kind of recruitment they made, they have some of the finest talents in their fold but have been let down greatly by their poor form at both ends of the boxes.
On occasions where they have been at their best as far as goal scoring was concerned, they have been let down badly with the manner which they ship goals away.
Coach C.K Akonnor’s caution against the defensive roles of every player therefore falls in line if their expectation should come to fruition or not.
Sadly, Kotoko’s front men of Songne Yacouba, Obed Owusu, Frederick Boateng and Naby Laby Keita appeared to have lost the form that made them very fearful.
The timing for the dip in form is what has become a source of worry for the Porcupine family but once again, they will have the chance to prove themselves against Zambia’s Zesco who tops the group after their 2-0 win against fellow Zambian side, Nkana FC in the group opener.
Surely, a win for Kotoko will even the fortunes of all the clubs in the group, the more reason Kotoko cannot let this opportunity slip through their hands especially when they will be playing in front of a mammoth crowd.
Defensively, whoever is selected from Amos Frimpong, Augustine Sefah, Yaw Frimpong, Abdul Ismail Ganiu, Daniel Darkwah, Wahab Adams, Emmanuel Agyeman Badu, Abass Mohammed must be very conscious of the task ahead to avoid a repeat of what transpired in Sudan.
Luckily for Kotoko, a win matters first and foremost and would therefore fix their minds on snatching the three points since a draw or defeat will leave them will a tall order.
BY ANDREW NORTEY
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