Asante Kotoko are winless in two games following the goalless draw against Heart of Lions and last weekend’s 2-1 loss to Bibiani Gold Stars at DUN’s Park – with the former Champions desperately looking for a win to set their season on track.
Premier League winner Dr. Prosper Narteh-Ogum is back to the club with huge expectations but has yet to hit the ground running this time. Dr. Ogum led the Porcupine Warriors to a record 24th League title in his first stint in 2022 after accumulating 67 points – 9 points ahead of reigning champions Medeama SC who finished in second place.
In the last three meetings at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Asante Kotoko have won one and drawn two against Karela United with the last victory against Karela United dating back to the 2020/21 season when they won 2-1 in Kumasi.
Asante Kotoko have made a number of purchases to improve the squad after losing the League title to Medeama SC last season. Henry Ansu, Kalou Ouattara, Nana Banyin Amoah, Yayaha Dawuni, Andrews Ntim and Samuel Asamoah, amongst others have joined the Reds.
Sheriff Mohammed connected beautifully to draw them level in the second half but Eric Bosomtwi’s 74th minute strike was enough to condemn them to a 2-1 loss to Gold Stars.
Karela United lost 2-1 to Legon Cities in their League opener but recovered with an absolute beauty as they crushed Berekum Chelsea 3-1 at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium. Karela under Shaibu Ibrahim Tanko have improved the squad with former Asante Kotoko duo, Maxwell Agyemang and Evans Adomako who had a brace in the game against Berekum Chelsea. Fatawu Mohammed, Abdul Kharim Ayeh, George Amanoo, Samuel Arthur and Maxwell Arthur are all available for selection.
The Porcupines are winless in their last five home games with five consecutive draws. Richmond Lamptey and Justice Blay are available after missing the first two games due to injury. Serge Eric Zeze, Enock Morisson, Henry Ansu, Andrews Ntim and Augustine Agyapong are all in line to start for Asante Kotoko.
The game will be broadcast live on StarTimes Adepa channel 247 at 6pm on Sunday, September 1, 2023.
In Accra - Great Olympics will host Bibiani Gold Stars at the Accra Sports Stadium in an epic clash. Accra Great Olympics are among the four clubs who are unbeaten after two round of games having recorded back to back draws against Bofoakwa Tano and Heart of Lions.
Gold Stars have won one and lost one thus far but are always a tough customer for the Dade boys. Great Olympics have scored four and conceded two against Gold Stars at home.
Samuel Ashie Quaye, Ebenezer Sekyere, Solomon Adomako, Kekeli Attor, Christopher Nettey, Mathew Agama and Emmanuel Akesseh will line up for Great Olympics whiles Gold Stars have the likes of Emmanuel Odai, Yahaya Adraman, Yakubu Haqq, Micheal Enu, Appiah McCarthy, Alex Aso and Prince Kwabena Owusu.
Still in Accra - Legon Cities will face Aduana FC at the El-wak stadium on Sunday as FC Samartex 1996 face off with Bechem United at the Nsenkyire Sports Complex. FC Samartex lost their week two game against Nations at Dr. Kwame Kyei Sports Complex but managed a 1-0 win against Aduana FC in week one. The Hunters lost against Nsoatreman FC in week one and won their second game against Dreams FC 1-0.
Finally on Sunday - Real Tamale United will battle unbeaten Heart of Lions at Aliu Mahama stadium in Tamale. The returnees are yet to lose a game in the league and are also yet to concede. Real Tamale United began the season with a 1-0 win against Hearts of Oak but lost 2-1 to Bofoakwa Tano in their Matchday two fixture at the Coronation Park.
Returnees, Heart of Lions are yet to concede a goal after two games. The Kpando lads are also struggling to score after playing 0-0 against Asante Kotoko and Accra Great Olympics. Ebenezer Abban, Dickson Sakabutu, Prince Anim, Mustapha Yabuku and Mustapha Yakubu have been brilliant for Fatawu Salifu in their debut season whiles the likes of Mohammed Alhassan Mankuyeli, Hafiz Adams, Faisal Gariba, Lord Hilary Adabo, Iddrisu Gadafi and Ahmed Issah aim to grab all the points at home.
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